Four suspects have been arrested as persons of interest in the deaths of 18 elephants in Kenya’s Amboseli ecosystem, with preliminary investigations pointing to possible poisoning by a toxic substance.
The first 15 elephant deaths were recorded between June 24 and July 24, prompting the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), security agencies and scientific teams to investigate the cause.
In a statement on Saturday, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said field investigations, laboratory tests and environmental sampling had been conducted, with preliminary results pointing to the “probable involvement of a toxic substance”.
Earlier findings suggested the elephants may have died from cyanide poisoning after ingesting pesticide-contaminated tomatoes sourced from farms near wildlife habitats.
However, the government said the findings were not yet conclusive and would require further scientific verification.
“These findings remain subject to further scientific verification before the investigation is deemed complete,” Miano said.
The multi-agency investigation has also led to the arrest of four people, while detectives are pursuing another person believed to have information relevant to the deaths.
A search in Tikondo, Kimana, in Loitoktok Sub-County, resulted in the recovery of assorted substances, including chemicals believed to have been sourced from a neighbouring country.
The potentially toxic and unlabelled materials have been secured for further scientific analysis.
CS Miano cautioned that the arrests did not amount to proof of criminal responsibility.
“Although the investigations remain active, the arrest of persons of interest and the recovery of exhibits do not in themselves establish criminal culpability,” she said.
She added that anyone found to have unlawfully killed, poisoned or harmed wildlife would be prosecuted according to the law.
The government has described the deaths as a national wildlife conservation and security concern, promising to strengthen surveillance, intelligence sharing, scientific investigations and rapid response in vulnerable areas.
The CS said the government would also increase monitoring of the misuse, illegal application, trafficking and careless handling of hazardous substances that could endanger wildlife, people and ecosystems.
She stressed that conservation efforts must extend beyond protected areas because animals move through community, private and agricultural land.
Miano praised communities living around Amboseli for their cooperation and sharing of information during the investigation.
“Communities are not passive beneficiaries of conservation, but indispensable partners and the primary guardians of Kenya’s wildlife heritage,” she said.
The government said it would pursue every credible line of inquiry and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.
The Cabinet Secretary assured Kenyans and the international conservation community that the government remained committed to protecting wildlife across the country and safeguarding Kenya’s conservation gains for future generations.