A suspected poacher was on Tuesday, December 20, injured in an exchange of fire with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers.
In a statement to newsrooms by KWS on Wednesday, December 21, one male adult giraffe was killed by the poachers and was found at the scene partially skinned. The KWS rangers also recovered one firearm.
The wounded suspect was taken to Wajir Referral Hospital where he’s in stable condition while undergoing treatment as he awaits arraignment in court.
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"The incident occurred after residents of El-maow area in Wajir East alerted KWS about gunshots heard in their vicinity at 8:00 a.m after which rangers were dispatched to the site. The rangers encountered three suspected poachers, two of whom were armed and opened fire at the rangers. The rangers shot back injuring one of the suspected poachers.
"A joint team from KWS and the National Police Service has cordoned off the scene and recovered a Carribean rifle, mobile phone, daggers, live ammunition and spent cartridges of assorted caliber. The officers have recorded statements. Meanwhile a KWS veterinary doctor is scheduled to conduct a post mortem examination on the carcass," part of the statement read.
KWS has dissuaded the public from engaging in the bush meat trade saying that it's not only illegal but exposes dealers and consumers to deadly zoonotic diseases such as anthrax and coronaviruses.
