By Renson Mnyamwezi
Two Kenya Wildlife Service ( KWS) rangers have been arrested for allegedly poaching in Tsavo National Park.
Police and KWS officials said the suspects were part of a gang that has been catching game illegally at the park in the recent past.
Tsavo Conservation Area Assistant Director Wilson Korir and Taita OCPD Nathaniel Aseneka confirmed the arrests and said the suspects would be taken to court once investigations are complete.
Mr Korir said the two rangers have already been dismissed from the service. “The conservation body cannot condone criminal activities within the force. The suspects were discharged from service two weeks ago as the offence they committed was against the code of conduct of service,” he said.
The incident comes at a time when the Government is still grappling with widespread cases of poaching.
While addressing a conference for senior wardens and researchers in Voi town recently, KWS Board of Directors Chairman David Mwiraria said there were agents within the body frustrating the war against poaching.
“Intelligence reports indicate that some dishonest KWS personnel are working in cahoots with criminal gangs to undermine the fight against poaching. The management should strive and smoke them out,” said the former Cabinet minister.
Core values
“Our success to the operation dubbed Okoa Ndovu will entirely depend on professionalism, interactive communication and strong adherence to the core values,” Mwiraria told the participants.
Meanwhile, two elephants have been killed by suspected poachers in Taita-Taveta. The elephants were killed at Kishushe location and their tusks removed.
Acting Taita DC Paul Rotich and acting Taita Administration Police Commandant Eric Kipkenei said the carcasses were found by the public.
