A multi-agency team led by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers in Kajiado County have arrested two notorious poachers at Ngama area within Mashuuru Sub-county.
The team acting on an intelligence tip off managed to waylay the two suspects, David Musyimi and Mwendo Mumba while in possession Zebra and Dik dik meat weighing approximately 180 kilograms and half a kilogram respectively. Other items recovered were two knives and a machete used by the suspects to kill the animals.
The two suspects were ferrying the meat on a motorcycle at around 3.00 am when they were nabbed. However, the third suspect who was the rider managed to evade arrest and is still being sought.
According to Julius Cheruiyot, KWS officer in charge of wildlife crimes, Mumba is a well-known notorious poacher who had previously escaped their dragnet with his former accomplice Adams Musyoka now serving five years behind bars without the option of a fine for trading in game meat.
Cheruiyot said they have been tracking Mumba for a while now and finally managed to arrest him following a tip off.
County Criminal Investigations Officer Isaac Meme warned those involved in the game meat trade that their days were numbered.
He urged members of the public to volunteer any information to the authorities that would help in arresting the poachers.
Meme said poaching activities was a threat to tourism and if not curbed it would have an adverse effect on the economy.
“I want to urge members of the public to give information that will help nab these poachers who are killing our animals and threatening tourism activities in the county. Parents should advise their sons to engage in legal activities instead of killing wild life” said Meme.
Cases of poaching have been on the increase in the county in the recent past and so far 44 suspected poachers have been arrested since 2020 and charged after being found in possession of game trophies and meat.
15 motor bikes and three vehicles were intercepted last year alone ferrying game meat, an indication that local butcheries could be selling game meat to unsuspecting consumers
Kajiado County is surrounded by three national parks; Nairobi, Amboseli and Tsavo and is also a host to several private wildlife sanctuaries.
The presence of the parks and the porous border with Tanzania has resulted in an increase in poaching activities with those involved in the trade selling the meat to local butcheries and sneaking the game trophies through the Namanga and Loitokitok border.
By Rop Janet
