Two suspects in Migori County arrested for being in possession of illegal wildlife trophies following a joint operation between the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
The suspects were apprehended in the Namba area of Suna East Sub-County following a targeted interception on Wednesday, August 6.
The operation was executed after intelligence reports led officers to recover a blue Bajaj motorcycle that the suspects were allegedly using to transport the trophies.
The NPS commended the joint effort, stating that the close collaboration between the two agencies was crucial in the operation's success.
"A joint operation conducted by officers from the National Police Service and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) on 6 August 2025 led to the arrest of two individuals in connection with the possession of wildlife trophies in the Namba area, Suna East Sub-County, Migori County," NPS stated.
A search uncovered the six elephant tusks, which had a combined weight of 18.8 kilograms and an estimated street value of Ksh1.8 million.
According to the police, the suspects are a 35-year-old female pillion passenger who was carrying a sack containing the tusks and a 58-year-old man who was riding the motorbike.
They are currently in custody awaiting arraignment in court on charges related to wildlife crimes.
The NPS and KWS stated that they are committed to fighting wildlife trafficking and protecting endangered species.
The agencies urged the public to continue their support by reporting any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through their toll-free numbers.
The arrest came days after the two Burundian nationals were charged in a Mombasa court for possession and attempted sale of elephant tusks worth over Ksh12 million.
The pair was arraigned in court on Monday, August 4, a day after they were nabbed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) in Miritini, Mombasa County.
The senior Resident Magistrate, David Odhiambo, accused the two Burundians of dealing in 27 pieces of elephant tusks without any legal documentation.
