Three suspected poachers are in police custody in Marsabit after they were arrested with 13 elephant tusks believed to have been obtained illegally.
The suspects were apprehended during a midnight operation carried out in the Majengo area of Marsabit town on Wednesday.
According to police, the three men were found inside a rented house where the elephant tusks had been concealed. Authorities said the tusks weighed a total of 39.5 kilograms and had an estimated street value of about Ksh600,000.
Confirming the incident, Marsabit County Police Commander Leonard Kimaiyo said the arrests were made following information received from members of the public.
Acting on the tip-off, police officers launched an operation that led them to the house where the suspects were staying.
Kimaiyo praised residents who shared information with security agencies, saying their cooperation played a key role in the success of the operation. He noted that public support remains essential in the fight against wildlife crimes, especially in areas where poaching activities continue to threaten Kenya’s wildlife resources.
The police commander said the government remains committed to protecting wildlife and cracking down on individuals involved in poaching and the illegal trade in wildlife products.
He warned that law enforcement agencies would continue to pursue offenders and ensure they are brought to justice.
Wildlife conservation remains a major concern in Kenya, with elephants among the species most targeted by poachers due to the demand for ivory in illegal markets.
Authorities have intensified surveillance and enforcement efforts in recent years to curb the trade and protect endangered wildlife populations.
