Two suspected wildlife traffickers have been arrested in Nyahururu after police intercepted five pieces of elephant tusks valued at approximately Sh3.6 million. The suspects were detained during a Saturday night operation in the Kwa Wanjiku area, where officers reportedly found the ivory weighing about 18 kilograms concealed in their possession. Authorities say the duo was taken to a nearby police station and is expected to face charges for handling wildlife trophies belonging to an endangered species.
According to investigators, the arrests are part of an ongoing multi-agency crackdown targeting illegal wildlife trade networks that continue to operate despite tough penalties under Kenyan law. Police noted that the suspects will be charged under Section 92(4) of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, which carries some of the harshest sentences for wildlife crimes. The latest recovery adds to a string of recent seizures across Laikipia and neighbouring counties, raising fresh concerns about the persistence of poaching syndicates and the continued targeting of elephants for their valuable tusks.
Wildlife conservationists say the case highlights the challenges Kenya faces in confronting an illicit market driven largely by international demand. Ivory remains highly sought after in parts of Asia and the Middle East, where it is used for ornaments, carvings and traditional medicine. Despite a global ban on ivory trade, African elephants continue to be killed at alarming rates, threatening the long-term survival of the species. Kenya has made notable progress in recent years — including achieving zero rhino poaching in 2020 — but experts warn that traffickers are adapting quickly and using increasingly sophisticated methods to evade law enforcement.
Looking ahead, authorities say they will intensify intelligence-led operations and strengthen community collaborations to counter the resurgence of ivory trafficking. Kenya Wildlife Service has expanded its surveillance capabilities with drones and improved tracking technology to monitor vulnerable herds. Conservation groups are urging the government to sustain the momentum and ensure successful prosecutions to deter future offenders. As the suspects prepare to appear in court, the case is expected to rekindle debate on how Kenya can balance tough legislation, community livelihoods and long-term protection of its iconic elephant populations.