HOMA BAY, Kenya — Authorities in Homa Bay County have arrested three individuals, including a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) sergeant, after recovering a rhino horn valued at Sh2.9 million. The horn, weighing 2.9 kilograms, was discovered during a multi-agency operation in Rodi Market on New Year’s Eve, following intelligence reports that the suspects were attempting to sell the trophy. Police also confiscated the vehicle used to transport the horn as part of the operation.
Homa Bay County Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) commander Peter Kimulwo said the suspects were apprehended at a hotel in Rodi Kopany Trading Centre, near Homa Bay Town. Investigators suspect the rhino horn was sourced from Ruma National Park, and they are actively pursuing other individuals linked to a poaching syndicate operating in the area. The suspects now face charges for possession of wildlife trophies from endangered species under Section 92(4) of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013. Officials noted that the seizure confirmed that a rhino had been killed, highlighting ongoing threats to Kenya’s wildlife despite strict anti-poaching measures.
The illegal trade in rhino horns and elephant tusks continues to be driven by demand in Asia and the Middle East, where the products are used in traditional medicine and luxury ornaments. Kenya has implemented high-tech surveillance, drones, and community-led initiatives to curb poaching, resulting in zero rhino poaching incidents nationwide in 2020 for the first time in two decades. Authorities stressed that continued public vigilance, inter-agency collaboration, and intelligence-led operations remain critical to protecting endangered wildlife. The Homa Bay arrest is a reminder of the ongoing challenges and the need for sustained efforts to combat wildlife crime in the region.