Two suspected poachers shot dead in Solio ranch, firearm recovered

By JOB WERU

Laikipia, Kenya: Security agents at Solio ranch in Laikipia have shot dead two suspected poachers and recovered a firearm, a Mark IV, loaded with three rounds of ammunition.

The security officers also recovered a pair of pliers and a sword.

KWS Mountain Conservation area Assistant Director Aggrey Maumo said the duo was ambushed in the ranch's Rhino Sanctuary by security agents who had been alerted.

"The security agents moved to the scene and engaged the poachers," said Maumo, noting that the suspects had not killed any rhino by the time of the attack.

The killing comes barely three weeks after another controversial shooting of two suspected poachers, among them a police officer who was attached to the Central Bank of Kenya, Nyeri branch.