Ivory trade suspect arrested in Githurai

A man linked to 40 pieces of ivory that were recovered near Githurai Kimbo Primary school in Nairobi has been arrested.

The Director of Criminal Investigations Ndegwa Muhoro confirmed the incident saying the arrest came following a tip-off from members of the public, adding that several gangs in the area are linked to the loot.

The intelligence boss also encouraged Kenyans to continue working with the police to tackle such crimes.

This comes just weeks after President Uhuru Kenyatta torched 120 tonnes of elephant tusks as part of continental and global efforts to curb poaching.

The day, that is celebrated annually, was established by the Organisation of African Unity in 2002 as a way of raising awareness of the pressing environmental challenges facing the continent.

The ivory that was burnt by the President Kenyatta had a black market value of USD30m (£19.4m), making it the largest consignment ever destroyed in Kenya.

Kenya is among 25 African countries to have adopted a declaration demanding a total ban on ivory trade worldwide.

By Steve Maranga