Two suspects have been arrested in Machakos County after they were allegedly found transporting 12 kilogrammes of elephant tusks valued at about Ksh1.2 million.
The suspects were intercepted while riding a motorcycle during a joint operation involving several security agencies, according to KWS Machakos County officer-in-charge Ismael Kiprop.
Kiprop said preliminary investigations indicate that the ivory was being transported to an undisclosed location within Machakos County.
The arrests come amid growing concern over the illegal trafficking of wildlife trophies in the county, which authorities say has increasingly become a hotspot for the trade.
Kiprop warned residents against engaging in wildlife trafficking, saying those found involved would face prosecution.
He said security agencies have arrested at least 10 suspects in Machakos over the past six weeks in connection with wildlife-related offences.
Eight of the suspects were allegedly involved in trafficking wildlife trophies, while two were arrested in possession of bushmeat.
Authorities have also recovered 13 kilogrammes of wildlife trophies worth an estimated Ksh1.3 million in an earlier operation.
The latest suspects are being held at Machakos Police Station and are expected to be arraigned at the Machakos Law Courts.
