Authorities in Turkana County have arrested two men found in possession of six pieces of elephant tusks weighing a total of 26.4 kilograms, in a significant crackdown on wildlife trafficking in the region.
The suspects were intercepted along the Lodwar-Kalokol road while transporting the tusks on a motorbike. The arrest was made possible following a tip-off from members of the public, according to Turkana Central Sub-County Police Commander Evans Ombui.
“This was a coordinated effort between law enforcement and the local community. We acted swiftly on the intelligence received and managed to apprehend the suspects before the contraband could be moved further,” said Ombui.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officer in charge of Turkana County, Elijah Chege, confirmed the seizure and commended the public for their vigilance and cooperation. He reiterated KWS’s commitment to wildlife protection, noting that poaching remains a serious threat to Kenya’s conservation efforts.
“We are grateful to the community members who continue to support our mission. Let this serve as a stern warning to those involved in illegal wildlife trade, we will not relent in our efforts to bring them to justice,” Chege said.
The two suspects are expected to appear in court on Monday at the Lodwar Law Courts, where they will face charges related to illegal possession and trafficking of wildlife trophies.
Elephant poaching, though significantly reduced in recent years due to stricter enforcement and community engagement, continues to pose a threat to Kenya’s wildlife heritage. Authorities have urged continued public participation in reporting suspicious activities to aid in protecting endangered species.
Written By Rodney Mbua
