Officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) at Pamu Station in Kiboko, in collaboration with rangers from Nasaru Conservancy, have arrested two suspects in connection with illegal poaching after they were found in possession of giraffe meat.
The suspects, identified as Maxim Mutunga (52) from Mutyambua area in Makueni County and Patrick Nyamasyo from the same locality, were apprehended at around 11:00 pm Thursday, September 26 in Masimba while transporting the meat on two motorcycles.
They were also found with the giraffe’s head, legs, machetes, torches, and other poaching equipment.
A third suspect managed to escape and is currently being pursued.
The two arrested suspects are being held at the Pamu Kiboko Station and are expected to be arraigned before the Kajiado Law Courts.
Investigations have revealed that Mutunga has a history of wildlife crimes, having previously been convicted for dealing in bushmeat. That case is still ongoing before the Kajiado courts.
According to KWS, the bushmeat trade has been identified as one of the most serious threats to wildlife conservation in Kenya. A recent KWS report highlighted a surge in human-wildlife conflict, with more than 10,000 incidents recorded last year.
Regions most affected include Tsavo, the Mara, Amboseli, Kajiado and Laikipia, where the abundance of wild animals has fueled rampant bushmeat hunting.
Ready markets for bushmeat continue to thrive in Nairobi, Naivasha, Kiambu, and towns along the Mombasa–Nairobi Highway, including Machakos, Makueni, and neighboring counties.
What does the law say?
According to Wildlife Conservation and Management Act;
- Any person who, without permit or exemption issued under this Act, deals in the carcass or meat of any wildlife species commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction, to imprisonment for a term of not less than three years.
- No person shall purchase from another person any meat or eggs of any wildlife species.
- Any person who contravenes the subsection (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of up to one million shillings or a term of imprisonment of twelve months or to both such fine and imprisonment.
