In a significant bust on January 25, 2026, two Tanzanian nationals were arrested at the Namanga Border Post in Kajiado County, Kenya, with 20 elephant tusks valued at an estimated Ksh. 14 million. The suspects, identified as Imani Manasse Musumbwe and Jinaoneka Kyenya, were intercepted by a collaborative operation between the Kajiado Investigation Team, the Lusaka Agreement Task Force, and the Kenya Police Service.
Authorities suspect that the tusks, believed to be sourced from at least five elephants, are part of a large-scale wildlife trafficking operation spanning multiple East African countries. The tusks are believed to have originated in Malawi, raising concerns about a transnational syndicate operating across the region. The two vehicles used for transporting the ivory, both registered in Tanzania, were also impounded during the operation.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects were attempting to smuggle the tusks through Kenya in an effort to reach international markets, which highlights the cross-border nature of the illegal wildlife trade. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb poaching and trafficking in endangered species, particularly elephants, which continue to face threats from illegal hunting for their valuable ivory.
The suspects are currently being held at Namanga Police Station and are expected to be arraigned at the Kajiado Law Courts on January 26, 2026. They will face serious charges under Kenya’s strict wildlife conservation laws, which carry heavy penalties for those involved in the illegal trade of endangered species.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has hailed the operation as a major victory in the ongoing battle against wildlife poaching and trafficking. The agency emphasized the importance of such enforcement actions in protecting vulnerable species from extinction. The public has also been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to wildlife trafficking, underscoring the critical role of community involvement in dismantling illegal networks.
The authorities’ success at the Namanga border post underscores the importance of cross-border cooperation in tackling wildlife crime, with Kenya continuing its efforts to safeguard its natural heritage and ensure the survival of iconic species like elephants.
