Two men have each been handed a 10-year jail term for the illegal possession of wildlife trophies by a court in Kithimani
The offenders, Oscar Kambona Musyimi and Anthony Mutie were found guilty of having seven python skins and two crocodile skins, a violation of section 92 of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act No. 47 of 2013.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) revealed that the sentencing included a fine of Ksh20,000,000 each, with a default option of serving the stipulated 10-year imprisonment.
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The verdict was delivered by Principal Magistrate Paul Wechuli, who noted the compelling and consistent testimonies provided by all six prosecution witnesses.
"A court in Kithimani yesterday sentenced two accused persons to pay a fine of 20,000,000/= each and in default to serve 10 years imprisonment for the offence of being in possession of 7python skins and 2 crocodile skins. The two, Oscar Kambona Musyimi and Anthony Mutie were charged with the offence of being in possession of a wildlife trophy contrary to section 92 of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act No. 47 of 2013," the statement read in part.
According to the ODPP, the illicit act occurred on November 27, 2019, at Ndalani-Sofia Market within Machakos County.
The accused were apprehended while in possession of the prohibited game trophies.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Nderitu Fredrick Kimathi, effectively presented a compelling case.
Magistrate Wechuli observed that the accused failed to undermine the credibility of the prosecution witnesses during cross-examination.
"The offence was committed on 27th November 2019 at Ndalani-Sofia Market within Machakos County where the accused were found in possession of the said game trophy. While delivering the judgment, Principal Magistrate Hon. Paul Wechuli observed that all 6 prosecution witnesses who testified adduced consistent and collaborative testimonies which the accused persons failed to shake during cross-examination," the ODPP stated.
A court in Kithimani yesterday sentenced two accused persons to pay a fine of 20,000,000/= each and in default to serve 10 years imprisonment for the offence of being in possession of 7python skins and 2 crocodile skins.
The two, Oscar Kambona Musyimi and Anthony Mutie were…— Office of The Director Of Public Prosecutions (@ODPP_KE) February 1, 2024
