Chinese national Zhang Kequn and his Kenyan co-accused Charles Mwangi have been remanded in custody until March 27, 2026, after pleading not guilty to charges of dealing in over 3,000 live ants and conspiracy to commit a felony at the Jomo Kenyatta International Law Courts.
Prosecution counsel John Tago and Mercy Katsivo told the court that the accused were found between March 10 and 13, 2026, dealing in live wildlife species without the required permits.
According to the statement by ODPP, the suspects were found with 1,948 garden ants packaged in specialized tubes and 300 live ants wrapped in tissue rolls on March 10,2026.
Mwangi faced an additional count after he was allegedly caught on March 13 in Gilgil town dealing with 1,000 live ants in a pink basin, 113 garden ants stored in specialized syringes, and 503 empty syringes in a white sack, also without a permit.
Both were jointly charged with conspiracy to commit a felony for allegedly planning the illegal trade over multiple days.
The court heard that Zhang paid Mwangi Sh60,000 for 600 live ants and an additional Sh70,000 for 700 ants, with each ant reportedly purchased at Sh100.
The DPP opposed the release of Zhang on bond during the court proceedings, noting that he had arrived in Kenya on February 27, 2026, on a tourism visa, had no fixed abode, and posed a flight risk.
Both accused pleaded not guilty before Senior Principal Magistrate Irene Gichobi, who ordered them to remain in custody as the case continues.
The matter is set for mention on March 27, 2026, as the court prepares to consider further submissions from the prosecution and defense regarding the alleged illegal wildlife trade.
Authorities have emphasized that dealing in live wildlife species without proper permits is a serious offense under Kenyan law, reflecting the country’s commitment to protecting its biodiversity.