Police destroy Ksh7.8M sandalwood consignment in Maralal
By Kenneth Mwenda, September 25, 2025Authorities have destroyed a sandalwood consignment valued at approximately Ksh7.8 million following a court order.
The haul, weighing 7.8 tonnes, was seized on September 21, 2025, at Ntunyu Village in Samburu County by a joint security team. The destruction took place at the Maralal Police Station yard under the supervision of Senior Principal Magistrate Sitati Temba.
Officials from the County Security and Intelligence Committee (CSIC), the National Police Service (NPS), the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) attended the destruction.
According to a X post by DCI on Thursday, September 25, 2025, the two remain in custody at Maralal GK Prison after pleading not guilty. They are awaiting further court proceedings.
“The Senior Principal Magistrate’s Court in Maralal has directed the destruction of sandalwood valued at approximately Sh7.8 million,” the statement reads.
“The haul, weighing 7.8 tonnes, was seized on September 21, 2025, at Ntunyu Village in Samburu County by a joint security team. The destruction, carried out at the Maralal Police Station yard under the court’s instructions, was supervised by Hon. Sitati Temba, Senior Principal Magistrate of Maralal Law Courts.”
The court’s decision comes amid ongoing efforts to curb illegal trade in protected wildlife and forest products.
Sandalwood, highly valued for its aromatic qualities, is listed as a protected species in Kenya. Illegal harvesting and trade threaten biodiversity and local ecosystems, as well as the livelihoods of communities that depend on sustainable forestry.
Threats to Kenya’s nature
Illegal sandalwood trafficking is not new in Kenya.
In 2023, authorities seized sandalwood worth Ksh32M in Samburu. The pattern shows an increasing sophistication in smuggling operations, often involving local traders and international buyers. Law enforcement agencies have emphasised that public vigilance and community reporting are essential in stopping these crimes.
Such cases resemble other forms of unconventional wildlife crime, including the smuggling of insects.
In April 2025, four men were caught attempting to smuggle hundreds of prized giant African harvester ants (valued by some UK dealers at up to Ksh28,540 each) out of Kenya.
The ants, valuable to collectors overseas, were concealed in specially modified test tubes to survive long journeys. The Kenya Wildlife Service described the case as a “landmark” in addressing emerging wildlife trafficking trends.
Illegal trade in species like sandalwood and rare insects poses serious ecological risks. Kenya has signed multiple international treaties aimed at protecting endangered species, and authorities are increasingly using intelligence-led operations to enforce these rules.
Officials warn that penalties for illegal harvesting or trafficking are severe. Offenders can face long jail terms, heavy fines, and the confiscation of their assets. Authorities encourage community members to report suspicious activity involving wildlife or forest products, emphasising that public cooperation is key to protecting Kenya’s natural heritage.