| Written by Joyce Nzomo |
Two Burundian nationals were freed on a bond of Sh4 million each after being charged in a Mombasa court with illegal possession of elephant tusks worth Sh12 million.
The court ordered them to surrender their passports and barred them from leaving the country.
The suspects denied the charges brought against them. They were accused of being in possession of 36.2 kilograms of elephant tusks without a valid permit, which is against Kenya’s wildlife laws. The tusks are believed to be worth over Sh12 million in the black market.
The incident reportedly happened in July in the Nyali area of Mombasa County. Police arrested the two during an operation led by officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), who were acting on a tip-off. The tusks were found hidden in a private residence.
During the court session, the prosecution asked the judge to deny the accused bail, citing the seriousness of the crime and the risk of flight since the suspects are foreign nationals.
However, the court allowed their release on bond but placed strict conditions to ensure they remain in the country.
The magistrate ordered the two to deposit their passports with the court and report regularly to the nearest police station until the case is heard and determined. The case will be mentioned again on August 20.
Wildlife trafficking remains a serious problem in Kenya and across Africa. Authorities have been increasing efforts to stop poaching and the illegal trade of wildlife products like elephant ivory.
