Two men have been sentenced to five years in prison each after being found guilty of illegally possessing four elephant tusks valued at Ksh. 2.49 million. The sentence was handed down by Senior Principal Magistrate Hon. Njeri Thuku at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Law Courts.
The convicted men, Moriati Ole Kimore and Lepapa Saruni, were arrested on August 28, 2024, in the Ntarara area of Kajiado South Sub-County, Kajiado County. According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the two were intercepted while transporting the ivory on a motorcycle. They were apprehended by a Serious Crimes Unit that was operating under a multi-agency task force, which included various national security agencies.
“The two were intercepted while transporting the ivory on a motorcycle and arrested by a Serious Crimes Unit working under a multi-agency task force comprising various national security agencies,” said ODPP.
The arrest followed a thorough investigation into the illegal ivory trade, an issue that has been a significant concern for wildlife conservationists and authorities in Kenya. The tusks seized from the two men were confirmed to be from elephants, an endangered species protected under Kenyan law. The arrest is a significant win for the ongoing efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking in the region, a crime that has been contributing to the rapid decline of elephant populations.
The multi-agency task force, which has been increasingly active in fighting wildlife crime, played a pivotal role in intercepting the ivory traffickers. By conducting coordinated operations, the task force has successfully apprehended numerous individuals involved in poaching and trafficking wildlife products. This particular case is an example of how effective collaboration between different security agencies can disrupt illegal wildlife trade networks.
The court ruling sends a strong message to those involved in the illegal trade of wildlife products, with the five-year sentence serving as a reminder of the serious consequences associated with such crimes. The sentencing also serves as a deterrent to others who might consider engaging in similar activities.
This case comes at a time when Kenya has been ramping up efforts to protect its wildlife heritage, particularly elephants, which continue to face significant threats from poaching and illegal trafficking. The government, along with non-governmental organizations, continues to invest in conservation programs, strengthened law enforcement, and public awareness campaigns to ensure the protection of endangered species.
Both Kimore and Saruni have the option to appeal the court’s decision, but for now, they remain behind bars, facing the full consequences of their involvement in the illegal ivory trade.