Three poachers found in possession of twelve Elephant tusks without a permit were released on Monday on a Sh1 million bond with one surety of a similar amount each by a Kabarnet court.
Moses Tamar Buldoza, Philip Kipyator Kimosop, and Robert Chepkwony were charged with dealing in wildlife trophy of a specified endangered species without a permit or other lawful exemption contrary to Section 92 (2) and being in possession of a specified endangered wildlife trophy without a permit or other lawful exemption contrary to Section 92 (4) of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2013.
The trio were charged that on June 25, 2023, at around 5 p.m. at Eldume village in Illchamus ward, Marigat sub county, within Baringo County, along with others not before court, they were caught dealing in wildlife trophies, namely twelve elephant tusks that were a trophy of an endangered species under Schedule Six, while also failing to have a permit or any other legitimate exemption given under this act.
When the charges leveled against the accused were read to them before Senior Resident Magistrate Edwin Mulochi, they all pleaded not guilty.
The court heard that the suspected poachers were intending to sell the elephant tusks within Eldume Sub Location before a multi-agency team of KWS personnel and a National Police Service team acting on a tip-off from members of the public apprehended them.
Prosecution Counsel Casmir Obiero, in his submission, prayed the court to deny the three accused cash bail owing to the nature of the offense.
In his ruling, the Senior Resident Magistrate ordered the three accused to be released on a personal bond of Sh1 million each with one surety.
Mulochi directed the case to be mentioned on July 5 and heard on July 19, where five witnesses are set to testify.
By Gloria Cheboi and Joshua Kibet
