Marsabit: Three individuals have been apprehended in Marsabit County with elephant tusks valued at an estimated Sh4.5 million, marking a significant victory in the fight against wildlife crime. The tusks, weighing 45 kilograms, were recovered following a coordinated operation by local law enforcement and wildlife authorities.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Assistant Director for the Northern Conservation Area, Bakari Chongwa, commended the security agencies for their cooperation in this successful operation. Chongwa, who manages conservation efforts across Marsabit, Wajir, and Mandera counties, highlighted that intelligence reports led officers to a house in one of the villages where the tusks were concealed. The police promptly informed the wildlife authorities, facilitating the recovery of the tusks.
The tusks, with a street value of approximately Sh70,000 per kilogram, were estimated to be worth around Sh3.1 million. Chongwa applauded the police for their effective response, emphasizing the importance of the multi-agency approach in tackling such crimes. This collaboration enables a swift response when crimes fall under the jurisdiction of multiple agencies.
The suspects, all locals from Marsabit County-specifically from the Hagadhe area, Hurii Hills, and Marsabit Town-remain in custody as investigations are underway. One suspect is reportedly associated with renting the property where the tusks were found. Preliminary inquiries have yet to determine if the individuals are poachers or ivory traders, but initial information suggests the tusks originated from areas around Maralal in Samburu County and Laisamis in Marsabit County.
Chongwa noted that the Maralal and Laisamis regions serve as crucial migration corridors for elephants traveling between Marsabit and Samburu counties. He further mentioned that the condition of the tusks indicated they might not have been obtained through recent poaching, suggesting they could have been sourced from elephants that died naturally or during human-wildlife conflicts.
There is evidence indicating the suspects aimed to transport the tusks to Isiolo County to find buyers, although it is suspected that the ivory might have been ultimately intended for international markets, possibly in neighboring Ethiopia.
Chongwa lauded the government’s conservation efforts, which include enhanced surveillance and monitoring to protect elephants. He acknowledged the ongoing collaboration between the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), the National Police Service, and the Directorate of Investigations (DCI) in combating wildlife-related crimes.
He urged the residents of Marsabit County to actively support conservation initiatives and cooperate with authorities in safeguarding elephants, underscoring the significance of wildlife as a vital resource for both the county and the nation.
