KWS arrests 3 suspects in Turkana over Wildlife trophies

A joint covert intelligence operation by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has led to the arrest of three suspects in Lokichar, Turkana County, after they were found in possession of wildlife trophies, including 42 kilogrammes of elephant ivory.

KWS said the Wednesday operation also resulted in the recovery of leopard and python skins, as well as a motorcycle believed to have been used to transport the trophies.

The arrests followed sustained surveillance and intelligence-led investigations targeting wildlife trafficking in the region.

The suspects are in custody and are expected to be arraigned in court, as investigations continue to establish whether they are connected to a broader poaching and trafficking network.

According to KWS, the operation highlights the agency’s commitment to protecting Kenya’s wildlife and ensuring that offenders face justice, noting that illegal wildlife trade continues to threaten conservation gains made over the years.

Wildlife authorities emphasised that poaching has far-reaching consequences, including the destruction of ecosystems and the loss of livelihoods dependent on tourism and biodiversity.

“A live animal is worth far more than any trophy,” KWS said in a statement.

“Wildlife sustains ecosystems, tourism and livelihoods for generations, while poaching undermines that future for short-term gain.”

KWS urged the public to support conservation efforts by reporting suspicious activities, saying community cooperation is critical in the fight against wildlife crime.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s natural heritage and called on all Kenyans to choose conservation over crime.

The arrest of the three comes three days after two suspects were arrested in Namanga with two elephant tusks valued at about Sh11 million.

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

Acting on the information, officers mounted a covert operation at a hotel where the suspects were believed to be finalising a deal with a potential buyer.

Officers found the suspects in possession of the contraband at the hotel.

A third suspect reportedly escaped at the start of the operation and remains sought by authorities.

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

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

Officers also searched a Nissan Fairland, where a weighing machine was recovered.

Investigators said the equipment indicates the organised and deliberate nature of the operation.

The suspects include two Tanzanian nationals and one Kenyan.

They were taken to Namanga Police Station along with the recovered items and the two impounded vehicles.