Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have busted three persons of interest with a rhino horn whose street value is Ksh2.9 million.
In a statement on Thursday, January 2, 2025, DCI noted that the persons of interest were nabbed at Rodi Market in Homabay Sub-County.
DCI claimed that one of the apprehended individuals was a member of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
Acting on reliable intelligence, DCI officers collaborating with officers from the Homabay Police Station and Kenya Wildlife Service officers from Ruma National Park intercepted their car on that market and seized the rhino horn weighing 2.9 kilograms.
“Detectives and police officers from the Homabay Police Station, in collaboration with Kenya Wildlife Service officers from Ruma National Park, successfully apprehended three wildlife traffickers and seized a rhino horn valued at approximately Ksh2.9 million,” DCI’s statement read in part.
“Acting on reliable intelligence, the team zeroed in on three individuals at Rodi Market in Homabay Sub-County, who were found in possession of this precious and illegal treasure. The suspects, Benard Omondi Sunga, a service member of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), along with accomplices George Oloo and Argwings Watta, were caught red-handed in a black Kluger, registration number KBM 463G. A meticulous search revealed a 2.9 kg rhino horn concealed inside,” it added.
The three are expected to be arraigned as officers intensify investigations into the incident.
“The trio has been arraigned today to face the charges. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations remains steadfast in its mission, partnering with stakeholders in the fight against wildlife trafficking,” it added.
Wildlife trafficking
DCI, working with other security agencies, has been on high alert to curb wildlife trafficking in the country and protect some of the endangered animal species.
In August 2024, their officers registered a breakthrough in the fight against the sale of endangered wildlife trophies following the arrest of an individual in the Kambu area in the Kibwezi Sub-County and recovered ivory weighing approximately 84 kilogrammes.
57-year-old Sila Maweu and his three accomplices, who managed to escape, were ambushed by the officers who were acting on intelligence, forcing the three hoodlums to run away, leaving behind the suspect and animal trophies.
The officers launched a manhunt for the other suspects who managed to beat their dragnet.
