KWS seizes 200kg of giraffe meat valued at Ksh200K in crackdown against poaching
By Kiprono Keileb, April 9, 2026The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has revealed that officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) in Garissa County carried out a highly coordinated intelligence-led operation that successfully intercepted an armed poaching syndicate.
In a statement shared on X on Thursday, April 9, 2026, DCI has said the operation, which unfolded under the cover of darkness along the Garissa–Daadab road, exposed the persistent threat posed by armed poachers targeting Kenya’s wildlife.
“In an intense, intelligence-led operation that reads like a scene from a crime thriller, officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) based in Garissa County executed a well-coordinated ambush that brought a suspected poaching syndicate to its knees. Acting on credible intelligence about a motor vehicle ferrying armed individuals and illegal wildlife cargo, the vigilant officers strategically positioned themselves along the Garissa–Daadab road at Alango Arba (Hagarbul) in Fafi Sub-County. Under the cover of darkness and in the stillness of the midnight hour, the trap was set,” the statement reads.
The DCI stated that the suspects were intercepted in a vehicle, where the recovered items pointed to involvement in both illegal wildlife trade and armed poaching in the region.
“Moments later, the unsuspecting suspects, completely oblivious to what lay ahead, drove straight into the ambush. The officers swiftly intercepted a white Suzuki Alto. What followed was a discovery that underscores the persistent threat of illegal wildlife trade and armed poaching in the region,” the DCI said.
Authorities revealed that six persons of interest were arrested, including a man found armed with an AK-47 rifle and combat gear, who claimed to be an NPR officer. The police said the vehicle also contained approximately 200 kilograms of suspected giraffe meat and a giraffe head carcass, with the haul valued at Ksh 200,000. Seven mobile phones believed to have been used in coordinating the operation were also recovered.
“The firearm and ammunition have since been secured as exhibits at the KWS Garissa Station. The suspects were initially held at Garissa Police Station before being transferred to KWS Headquarters in Nairobi, where they await arraignment,” the DCI said.
The DCI pointed out that the operation demonstrates the authorities’ continued vigilance in protecting Kenya’s wildlife, even under the cover of night, and the unwavering commitment of KWS officers to combat poaching.
“This serves as a powerful reminder that even under the cover of night, the long arm of the law remains vigilant. It also highlights the unwavering commitment of KWS officers in protecting Kenya’s priceless wildlife heritage from the ruthless grip of poachers,” the DCI said.