Two individuals, Samson Njoroge and Julius Wainaina, who were arrested while ferrying donkey hides between the Kanyonyoo and Nguutani areas, were arraigned before Principal Magistrate Njoki Kahara at the Mwingi Law Courts.
Samson Njoroge, the driver, faced two charges: possession of donkey hides and failure to provide transport permits for the consignment, contrary to Section 41 of the Hides, Skins and Leather Trade Act.
According to the prosecution, the consignment consisted of 2,650 donkey hides valued at approximately KSh 21 million.
Njoroge pleaded guilty to both counts and was fined KSh 20,000 — KSh 10,000 for each offence — or, in default, serve 24 months’ imprisonment.
Julius Wainaina was reportedly only a passenger who had been offered a lift in the vehicle and was subsequently released without charges.
The trailer, registration number ZE 4659, was intercepted by a multi-agency team at the Musingi area while en route to Nairobi from Kithyoko two days ago.
The magistrate also ordered the release of the vehicle, which had been detained at Nguutani Police Station.
