In a major win against wildlife crime, a joint operation by Mbeere South detectives and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers has led to the arrest of three suspected traffickers and the seizure of six elephant tusks weighing 48 kilograms.
The suspects,Michael Kariuki Kithaka (44), Morris Kariuki Njuki (45), and Margaret Syombua Mutua (46),were intercepted at the Siakago-Kiritiri Junction while transporting the tusks hidden in two gunny bags.
The trio has been arraigned at the Siakago Law Courts, where they were charged with illegal possession and trafficking of trophies from an endangered species, in violation of Kenya’s strict wildlife protection laws.
They have been remanded until June 11, 2025, pending the completion of a pre-bail report, as investigations continue.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on poaching networks and protecting Kenya’s endangered wildlife.
