Crime scene
A suspected bushmeat poacher has been arrested following a joint operation by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers and Olgulului Conservancy rangers in Emaoi Village, Kajiado South, in the latest effort to curb wildlife crime in the region.
The agency said the suspect was allegedly found transporting about 25kg of suspected wildlife meat during the operation.
KWS said officers also recovered a motorcycle with its registration number removed, a panga, two sacks and a mobile phone, all of which were seized as part of the investigation.
The agency said two other suspects escaped during the operation and remain at large, with efforts underway to trace and arrest them as investigations continue.
According to KWS, detectives are continuing with investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence and determine whether additional suspects may have been involved.
The arrest comes as KWS continues to roll out its #SayNoToBushMeat campaign aimed at raising awareness about the impact of illegal bushmeat hunting on wildlife conservation and public health.
"Illegal hunting threatens Kenya's wildlife, while bushmeat can expose people to serious zoonotic diseases," KWS said.
The wildlife agency stated that the campaign seeks to educate the public on the dangers associated with bushmeat while encouraging communities to support conservation efforts by reporting suspected wildlife crimes and discouraging the illegal hunting, sale and consumption of bushmeat.
According to KWS, illegal hunting continues to threaten wildlife populations across the country, while the handling and consumption of bushmeat increases the risk of diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
The agency said it will continue working with conservancies, law enforcement agencies and other conservation partners to combat wildlife crime, protect Kenya's biodiversity and promote sustainable wildlife conservation.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing as authorities pursue the two remaining suspects, while efforts continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged offence.
