In a significant breakthrough in the fight against wildlife crime, police in Homa Bay have arrested three individuals, including a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) sergeant, following the discovery of a rhino horn valued at Sh2.9 million.
The suspects were apprehended on New Year’s Eve during a multi-agency operation at Rodi Market, based on intelligence indicating they were attempting to sell the illegal trophy.
The rhino horn, weighing 2.9 kilograms, has drawn immediate attention to the ongoing poaching crisis in Kenya, which continues to threaten the survival of endangered species.
Homa Bay County Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) commander Peter Kimulwo reported that the arrests occurred at a hotel in Rodi Kopany Trading Centre, located on the outskirts of Homa Bay Town. At the time of their apprehension, the suspects were traveling in a black car that was subsequently seized by police.
Investigators suspect that the rhino horn originated from Ruma National Park, prompting them to pursue additional suspects linked to a wider syndicate of poachers operating in the area.
The trio now faces charges for possessing wildlife trophies from endangered species, in violation of Section 92(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Management Act 2013.
Despite stringent conservation efforts and high-tech surveillance measures, including the use of drones to monitor poaching activity, instances of wildlife crime remain alarmingly persistent. The illegal trade in elephant tusks and rhino horns remains lucrative, driven by demand in Asia and the Middle East, where these items are sought for traditional medicine and ornamental purposes.
With Kenya recently achieving zero rhino poaching in 2020, authorities are committed to intensifying their efforts to combat wildlife crime through community education, interagency collaboration, and intelligence-driven operations.
The recent seizure underscores the continued challenges faced by conservationists in their battle to protect endangered species.
