Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has arrested three suspects in Lokichar, Turkana County, after seizing 42 kilograms of elephant ivory alongside leopard and python skins in a covert intelligence-led operation. The operation also led to the recovery of a motorcycle believed to have been used to transport the illegal wildlife trophies.
According to KWS, the arrests were carried out by a joint covert intelligence team as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle wildlife trafficking networks across the country.
“A KWS joint covert intelligence team arrested three suspects in Lokichar, Turkana County, in possession of 42kg of elephant ivory, as well as leopard and python skins,” the agency said in a statement.
The suspects were taken into custody and are expected to be arraigned in court, as authorities push to ensure traffickers face the full force of the law.
KWS said the operation underscores its commitment to protecting endangered species and safeguarding Kenya’s natural heritage.
“This operation highlights KWS’s resolute commitment to protecting Kenya’s wildlife and bringing traffickers to justice,” the statement added.
KWS also used the incident to renew its appeal to the public to support conservation efforts and reject wildlife crime, warning that poaching poses a serious threat to ecosystems and livelihoods.
“A live animal is worth far more than any trophy,” the agency said, emphasising that wildlife plays a critical role in sustaining ecosystems, tourism, and community livelihoods for generations.
KWS noted that poaching “destroys that future for short-term gain,” and called for collective responsibility in protecting wildlife.
The agency urged Kenyans to report suspected wildlife crimes and support conservation initiatives, stressing that protecting wildlife is not only a legal obligation but also a moral one.
“Protect our heritage. Choose conservation over crime,” KWS said.
The arrest comes three days after two suspected wildlife traffickers were 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 were ongoing to trace and arrest him.The remaining two suspects were arrested on the spot and interrogated.
The suspects, together with the recovered tusks and the two motor vehicles used to facilitate the trade, were escorted to Namanga Police Station, where they are being held as investigations continue.
Police said the suspects were undergoing processing pending arraignment in court.
