POACHERS INTRODUCE NEW TACTICS

Three suspected rangers have been arrested by the Kenya Wildlife Service rangers with two elephant tusks weighing 26.5 kilogrammes.

The Chief Warder Dominic Kilonzo said two elephants between the age of 20 and 25 have been killed in Rimoi Game Reserve through the use of poisoned spears when the animals had been drinking water in the river.

The poachers took away the tusks and one of them has been arrested in Baringo North District. Ivory worth Sh80, 000 has been discovered by the rangers in a cave near the suspect’s house around 15 kilometers from where the elephants had been killed.

The illegal activity has increased in Kenya and the warden has told the public to stop poaching because it will affect the country’s tourism.

Another elephant has been killed in Kiptopich in Baringo North District by suspected poachers that had escaped from the reserve. The reserve extends along the Kerio Valley and has a number of wild animals making it a perfect place for tourists.

The suspects have been found at Olenkuluo neat Masai Mara Game Reserve transporting tusks to the dealer. The KWS Narok Senior Warden Kenneth Naishu said poaching has increased in Narok and the poachers have started using young boys to transport the tusks on motorcycles to prevent recognition.

KWS has decided to put hard sentences for poachers and has assisted the residents to help and other agencies to end the practice which is demolishing rhino and elephant population.