Foreign Nationals Charged Over Illegal Possession of Ksh12.5 Million Elephant Tusks

Two Burundian nationals have been charged in Mombasa with illegal possession and trafficking of elephant tusks, worth over Ksh12 million.

In a statement on Monday, August 4, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said the suspects, Gakiza Sulemani and Nkunubumwe Celecius, were arraigned in court for dealing in 27 pieces of elephant tusks without the necessary permit.

"Gakiza Sulemani and Nkunubumwe Celecius were arraigned before Senior Resident Magistrate Hon. David Odhiambo, and charged with dealing in 27 pieces of elephant tusks — classified by law as trophies from endangered species — without the required permit," the statement read.

According to the ODPP, the seized tusks weighed nearly 63 kilograms and had an estimated value of Ksh12,570,000.

"The court heard that the accused were apprehended on August 3, 2025, at around 3:00 PM in the Miritini area of Mombasa County, following an intelligence-led operation by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers," the statement continued.

The ODPP noted that the pair were allegedly attempting to sell the illegal wildlife products when they were caught.

In addition to the trafficking charge, they face another count relating to possession of endangered wildlife trophies without a permit.

"In addition to trafficking charges, they face a second count of possession of a wildlife trophy from an endangered species without a permit, in violation of Section 92(4) of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013 (as amended)," the statement added.

According to the ODPP, both Sulemani and Celecius denied all charges during the court session.

"Principal Prosecution Counsel Barbara Sombo urged the court to impose strict bond terms to ensure the accused remain available throughout the trial. Further, she requested that sureties provide firm guarantees of the accused's attendance in court," the statement further read.

The magistrate granted bond under strict conditions, including Ksh4 million with one surety each, surrendering their passports, and providing local contacts.

"Magistrate Odhiambo granted each accused a bond of Ksh4 million, with one surety, and directed them to surrender their passports. They must also provide two Kenyan contact persons as part of their bond conditions," the statement concluded.

The case is scheduled to be mentioned again on Wednesday, August 20.