Three suspected wildlife traffickers were arrested in Mbeere South with six elephant tusks weighing 48kgs in a joint operation involving
The suspects, Michael Kariuki Kithaka (44), Morris Kariuki Njuki (45), and Margaret Syombua Mutua (46) were intercepted at the Siakago-Kiritiri Junction while transporting the tusks concealed in two gunny bags. Authorities say the trio was in clear violation of Kenya’s stringent wildlife protection laws, which prohibit the possession and trade of trophies from endangered species without proper authorization.
The suspects were arraigned before the Siakago Law Courts, where they were formally charged with dealing in and possessing wildlife trophies of an endangered species without a permit.
The court has ordered that the three be remanded until June 11, 2025, pending the completion of a pre-bail report. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have confirmed that investigations into the trafficking network are ongoing.
