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NAIROBI, Jan 26 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Two Tanzanian nationals have been arrested in possession of 20 elephant tusks at the Namanga Border Post in Kajiado County.
The two suspects, identified as Imani Manasse Musumbwe and Jinaoneka Kyenya, were intercepted by the Kajiado Investigation Team working in collaboration with the Lusaka Agreement Task Force and supported by the Kenya Police Service.
Authorities believe the tusks were obtained from at least five elephants and have an estimated black-market value of Ksh.14 million.
Investigators also impounded two vehicles, both registered in Tanzania, which were allegedly used to transport the ivory.
Preliminary findings indicate that the tusks may have originated from Malawi and are linked to a well-established transnational trafficking cartel operating across East Africa.
According to police, the suspects are believed to have been seeking buyers abroad before attempting to transit through Kenya, pointing to the international dimension of the smuggling operation.
The two are currently being held at Namanga Police Station and are expected to be arraigned at the Kajiado Law Courts on Monday, January 26, 2026, where they will face charges related to illegal wildlife trade under Kenya’s strict conservation laws.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has described the seizure as a significant victory in the ongoing fight against poaching and wildlife trafficking, noting that such enforcement actions are critical to safeguarding endangered species, particularly elephants.
Authorities have urged members of the public to report any suspicious wildlife-related activities, emphasizing that community vigilance is key to dismantling trafficking networks. — NNN-AGENCIES