Two suspected wildlife traffickers have been arrested in Namanga following a covert, intelligence-led operation by a multi-agency team drawn from the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), leading to the recovery of elephant tusks valued at approximately Sh11 million.
According to detectives, the operation was mounted after officers received intelligence indicating that a group of traffickers was planning to conclude an illegal ivory transaction with a prospective buyer.
Acting on the information, the joint team launched a covert sting at Mufassa Hotel in Namanga, where the suspects were believed to be meeting.
“Following a trail of intelligence leads, the team launched a covert operation at Mufassa Hotel, where the traffickers were believed to be closing in on a deal,” police said.
At the hotel, officers identified Imani Manasi Msumbwa and Justin Mwalima, both Tanzanian nationals, alongside Alton Jilaoneka, a Kenyan.
As officers moved in to effect the arrests, one of the suspects, Justin Mwalima, managed to flee the scene.
“Justin Mwalima made an escape at the first sign of trouble,” police said, adding that efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest him.
The remaining two suspects were arrested on the spot and interrogated.
During questioning, the suspects led officers to vehicles believed to have been used in the trafficking operation, resulting in further recoveries.
A search of a Toyota Mark X, registration number T476 DHS, uncovered 20 pieces of elephant tusks weighing approximately 110 kilograms, concealed in the boot of the vehicle.
In a separate search of a Nissan Fairland, registration number T305 EFM, officers recovered a weighing machine, which investigators said was used to facilitate the illegal trade.
“A further inspection of a Nissan Fairland uncovered a weighing machine, underpinning the traffickers’ operations,” police said.
The suspects, together with the recovered tusks and the two motor vehicles, were escorted to Namanga Police Station, where they are being held as investigations continue.
Police said the suspects are undergoing processing pending arraignment in court.
“This interception serves as a powerful reminder of the Government’s commitment to combating wildlife trafficking through robust multi-agency collaboration,” police said, noting that such efforts are critical to protecting Kenya’s natural heritage and endangered species.
Kenya remains a key transit route for illegal wildlife products, and law enforcement agencies have intensified surveillance and enforcement along border towns and known trafficking corridors.
Officials said partnerships between the NPS, KWS, and other agencies have enhanced the country’s ability to disrupt trafficking networks and bring suspects to justice.
The National Police Service also appealed to members of the public to continue sharing information that could help curb wildlife crime and other illegal activities.
Investigations into the Namanga seizure are ongoing as authorities pursue the suspect who escaped and seek to establish the full scope of the trafficking network.
