Kenya Wildlife Service officers on Friday afternoon raided Burma market in Nairobi and confiscated over 800 kilograms of game meat.
The officers stated that the sting operation was necessitated after two zebras were poached at Portland Farm next to Game Ranch in Athi River, Machakos County.
During the operation, the officers arrested 15 people who were expected to be arraigned in court.
"KWS security team in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies have so far arrested fifteen suspects who will be arraigned before a Law court to answer to charges of dealing, and being in possession of bushmeat and selling uninspected meat among other charges," KWS announced in a statement.
Business Daily reported that the meat was being sold to unsuspecting customers as beef.
The officers further warned the public about the consumption of bushmeat as it was a risk to public health since the meat is not inspected and might be prone to zoonotic diseases such as Ebola and Anthrax that are linked to wild animals.
A motor vehicle that was suspected to have transported the recovered game meat was impounded.
The officers also noted that the establishments in Burma market were operating without permits or licenses.
The operation further established that the suspects involved in bush meat poaching were involved in livestock theft in parts of Kajiado and Machakos counties.
According to the law, buying and selling bush meat is illegal and anyone found guilty of the offence faces a jail term of not less than three years without an option of a fine.
