Three men accused of dealing in wildlife trophies were on Monday, June 26, 2023, released on a Ksh1 million bond each by a Kabarnet court in Baringo.
Appearing before Senior Resident Magistrate Edwin Mulochi, the trio were charged with dealing in wildlife trophy of a specified endangered species without a permit or other lawful exemption contrary to section 92(2) of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2013.
“Moses Buldoza, Philip Kimosop, and Robert Keino on June 25, 2023, at around 5 pm in Eldume village Ilchamus, Baringo along with others who were not present in court, were caught dealing in wildlife trophies, including twelve elephant tusks that were a trophy of an endangered species under schedule six, while also failing to have a permit or any other legitimate exemption given under this act,” part of the charge sheet read.
The trio pleaded not guilty to the two accusations presented in court.
The suspected poachers were intending to sell the elephant tusks within the Eldume location before a nab by a multi-agency team consisting of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) personnel and the National Police Service team after a tip-off from the members of the public.
Prosecution Counsel led by Casmir Obiero prayed that the court denies the three accused cash bail owing to the nature of the offence.
Mulochi, in his ruling, ordered that each of the three accused pay a bond of Ksh1 million with one surety.
The hearing is set for July 19, 2023.
