Suspect nabbed with elephant tusks in Kitale

Police in Kitale are holding a suspect who was nabbed with elephant tusks in Kitale town after they laid ambush against the suspect.

Confirming the arrest, Trans Nzoia police commander Ayub Gitonga said the officers were working following a tipoff by good samaritans who volunteered the information to the officers and traced down the suspects.

He said the officers posed as potential buyers of the tusks, a business that has been going on in Kitale town, for several years which he claimed has grinded to a halt.

The suspect from West Pokot County known as Eric Granton was apprehended with the elephant tusks weighing 1.4 kilogrammes valued at Kshs 1.4 million from mature elephants and he is being remanded at Kitale police station awaiting presentation in court.

Gitonga has warned residents against engaging in such businesses that he termed, noting that perpetrators once found will be dealt with
according to the law.

He, however, called upon locals to report people, to the authorities and Kenya Wildlife Services, who they notice engaging in such businesses or killing wild animals for appropriate action to be taken immediately claiming the police are working well with KWS officials to stem out poaching.