Police, KWS foil ivory deal in Namanga, arrest 2 suspects

A multi-agency security team drawn from the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has arrested two suspected wildlife traffickers and seized elephant tusks valued at about Sh11 million.

The operation followed a series of intelligence leads that pointed investigators to an alleged illegal wildlife trade transaction.

Acting on the information, officers mounted a covert operation at one of the hotels where the suspects were believed to be finalising a deal with a prospective buyer.

At the hotel, officers found the suspects in possession of the contraband. A third suspect managed to escape at the onset of the operation and is still being sought by authorities.

Following their arrest, the suspects were interrogated and later led officers to their parked vehicles, where further evidence was recovered.

A search of a Toyota Mark X revealed 20 pieces of elephant tusks hidden in the boot. The tusks weighed a total of 110 kilogrammes.

Officers also searched a Nissan Fairland, which led to the recovery of a weighing machine. Investigators say the equipment points to the organised and deliberate nature of the illegal operation.

The suspects include two Tanzanian nationals and one Kenyan.

They were escorted to Namanga Police Station together with the recovered exhibits and the two impounded vehicles.

Police said the suspects are currently undergoing processing ahead of their arraignment in court.

Authorities say the interception underscores the Government’s continued efforts to curb wildlife trafficking.

The operation highlights the role of intelligence-led policing and cooperation between security agencies in dismantling criminal networks involved in the illegal trade of wildlife products.

Elephant tusks are among the most targeted wildlife trophies due to their high value on the black market.

Law enforcement agencies have maintained that such crimes pose a serious threat to Kenya’s wildlife heritage and conservation gains.

Officials have reiterated that multi-agency collaboration remains central to protecting endangered species and safeguarding natural resources.

They have also appealed to the public to share information that may help disrupt wildlife trafficking networks operating within and across Kenya’s borders.