A coordinated operation by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), officers from the Homa Bay Police Station, and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) personnel from Ruma National Park led to the arrest of three suspects involved in wildlife trafficking.
In a statement on Thursday, January 2, DCI said a rhino horn weighing 2.9 kilograms and valued at approximately Ksh 2.9 million was seized during the bust.
According to DCI, the team intercepted the suspects at Rodi Market in Homa Bay Sub-County after receiving reliable intelligence.
"The suspects, Benard Omondi Sunga, a service member of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), along with accomplices George Oloo and Argwings Watta, were caught red-handed in a black Kluger, registration number KBM 463G. A meticulous search revealed a 2.9kgs rhino horn concealed inside," DCI said.
The three suspects were arrested and arraigned in court on Thursday, January 2 to face charges related to wildlife trafficking.
Read More
This incident comes barely three weeks after a suspected poacher was injured in an exchange of fire with KWS rangers.
In a statement to newsrooms by KWS on December 21, 2024, 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.
"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.
