ZAMBIAN WOMAN ON TRANSIT THROUGH JKIA ARRESTED WITH IVORY

Release Date: 
Friday, October 25, 2019 - 09:45

A Zambian woman was yesterday (Wednesday, October 23, 2019) intercepted with ivory while on transit through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.

Ms Kabanje Liseli Mwananguku was arrested for illegally wearing ivory bangle weighing 100 grams with an estimated of Ksh. 30,000.  

She was intercepted by Kenya Wildlife Service officers in collaboration with other airport authorities at Terminal 1A departures while on transit to Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

She was to face a charge of being illegally in possession of wildlife trophy at the JKIA law courts this (Thursday) morning to take a plea.

Cases of foreign nationals being arrested with ivory trophies at the airport have become common in recent days posing a major concern to the government.

Meanwhile, at the Nyahururu law court, Joseph Maina Irungu was fined Ksh 1million or serve five years imprisonment in default for count one of illegally killing a wildlife species (zebra). He was also fined Ksh 200,000 or serve one-year imprisonment in default for the second count of illegally dealing in wildlife meat (zebra) and a further Ksh 1million or serve a five-year jail term for third count of illegal possession of wildlife trophy (zebra).

The second accused person, Mr Stanley Chege, was given a cash bail of Ksh. 2million or a bond of Ksh 2million after he denied the charges.

According to the Wildlife Management Act 2013, any person who keeps or is found in possession of a wildlife trophy without permission, shall be liable upon conviction to a fine of not less than Ksh 1 million or imprisonment for a term of not less than five years or both.

KWS is putting in place strong measures across all entry and exit points, border checks and international airports to curb any illegal wildlife activities.   

Members of the public are therefore advised to report any person in possession of ivory trophies and other prohibited wildlife products to the nearest KWS offices or police station.   

We can also be reached on toll free number +254 0800 597 000 and social media platforms:

Email: customerservice@kws.go.ke
Twitter: @kwskenya
Facebook: Kenya Wildlife Service