Suspected wildlife traffickers and seized elephant tusks valued at approximately Sh11 million. Photo by Andrew Mbuva. 
By Andrew Mbuva
A multi-agency security team drawn from the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has arrested two suspected wildlife traffickers and seized elephant tusks valued at approximately Sh11 million.
The suspects were nabbed following an intelligence-led operation that culminated at Mufassa Hotel, where the traffickers were believed to be finalising an illegal deal with a prospective buyer.
Officers arrested Imani Manasi Msumbwa, a Tanzanian national, and Alton Jilaoneka, a Kenyan, at the scene. A third suspect, Justin Mwalima, also a Tanzanian, managed to escape during the operation and is now being pursued by security agencies.
Subsequent interrogation of the arrested suspects led officers to two motor vehicles linked to the illegal trade. A search of a Toyota Mark X, registration number T476 DHS, uncovered 20 pieces of elephant tusks weighing a total of 110 kilogrammes, concealed in the boot. Further inspection of a Nissan Fairland, registration number T305 EFM, yielded a weighing machine, an item believed to have been used to facilitate the trafficking operation.
The suspects, together with the recovered tusks and impounded vehicles, were escorted to Namanga Police Station, where they are being held pending arraignment in court.
Authorities said the operation underscores the Government’s firm resolve to dismantle wildlife trafficking networks through enhanced inter-agency cooperation and intelligence-driven enforcement.
Kenya continues to intensify efforts to protect its wildlife and safeguard endangered species from illegal exploitation.
