Two suspects, including a Tanzanian national and a Kenyan accomplice, have been arrested in Namanga following a covert, intelligence-led operation by Kenyan security agencies that led to the seizure of elephant tusks worth approximately KSh11 million.
The multi-agency operation, involving the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), was launched after credible intelligence indicated a major ivory transaction was about to take place in the border town. Officers moved in on a popular local hotel, where the suspects were reportedly meeting a potential buyer.
Upon the arrival of law enforcement, one of the Tanzanian nationals managed to flee, triggering a manhunt. The remaining two suspects were apprehended immediately and taken into custody for questioning.
During interrogations, the suspects led officers to their parked vehicles, where additional evidence of wildlife trafficking was recovered. In a Toyota Mark X, officers discovered 20 pieces of elephant tusks weighing approximately 110 kilograms, carefully concealed in the vehicle’s boot.
A second vehicle, a Nissan Fairland, contained a weighing machine, suggesting the suspects were actively involved in measuring and trading ivory. Both vehicles, the tusks, and other evidence were seized and taken to Namanga Police Station as the investigation continues.
Authorities noted that this arrest comes months after another wildlife trafficking case, in which traffickers were caught attempting to smuggle 5,000 queen ants valued at KSh1 million. The Kenya Wildlife Service has warned that smuggling of native species poses a growing threat to Kenya’s biodiversity.
Speaking on the arrest, KWS and police officials emphasized that the successful interception underscores the government’s commitment to combating wildlife crime through coordinated, intelligence-driven operations aimed at protecting Kenya’s wildlife and natural heritage.
The arrested suspects are expected to be arraigned in court as investigations into the ivory trafficking network continue.
