DCI, KWS Arrest Tanzanians Trafficking 8 Elephant Tusks Worth Ksh500K

Three suspects including two foreigners are currently behind bars in Kisumu County, after being found in possession of animal trophies on Monday, December 26.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the trio Wilson Korio, 52, and Tanzanians Jakaya Mchubo Paswa, 42 years and Lemintiye Mbukoti, 27, were in possession of eight pieces elephant tusks weighing 16kg with a street value of over Ksh0.5 million. 

Earlier, detectives based at Kisumu central had received a tip off from an informant and together with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) personnel, they headed to Mamboleo where the arrest of the three was effected. 

Officers outside the DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road. /DCI

"A fourth suspect on a motorbike who attempted to rescue the prisoners using a metal bar had himself to blame, after the officers opened fire and shot him on his arms as fled from the scene," the DCI stated.

Meanwhile, the arrested suspects were placed in custody pending arraignment on Tuesday morning, December 27.

According to Kenya’s Ambassador and Special Envoy for Shipping and the Blue Economy Nancy Karigithu, most of illicit trade in wildlife is done through international water bodies.

On Monday, she called for intergovernmental efforts in the fight against illicit wildlife trade, stating that various governments have been trying to combat the crime, but it remains a growing concern globally. 

Wildlife trafficking threatens not only biodiversity but also ecosystems vital for climate change mitigation, domestic and international economies, and potentially human health.

In her presentation at a forum organised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) on guidelines for the prevention and suppression of the smuggling of wildlife on ships engaged in international maritime traffic, Karigithu urged governments to establish national joint port control units.

These will facilitate inspections of vessels in transit status, search and seizure of suspected vessels and inter-agency, cross-sectoral and international collaborations.

The forum in Bangkok, Thailand, explored measures to prevent, detect and report wildlife trafficking on ships and other water vessels.

Further, she advocated for investigations and prosecution of culpable traffickers alongside the prevention and deterrence of corruption.

Kenya's Special Envoy for Blue Economy and Maritime Nancy Karigithu addresses a past meeting. /TWITTER