Poacher killed, fire arms seized in Laikipia

A suspected poacher was on Tuesday killed by Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) game wardens within Rumuruti Forest in Laikipia County.

The suspect was in the company for three other accomplices who manage to escape during a fierce shoot-out and suspected to have gunshot wounds.

According to KWS assistant director in charge of mountain conservation, Aggrey Maumo, gunshots were heard coming from the forest, prompting game wardens from Rumuruti and Nyahururu stations to move into action immediately.

KWS officers recovered a Magnetic Accelerator Cannon of .458 caliber firearm, popularly used for killing elephants and rhinos, an axe and a knife, heavy jackets and githeri, which means the suspects were spending most of their time in the forest.

This year alone, five elephants have been killed in the same forests through poaching.

Maumo said the department was committed to curbing the rising cases of poaching and challenged other stakeholders to team up with security agencies to ensure that wild animals were safe in their territory.

He also commended the judiciary for instituting heavy penalties to suspects found with game trophies and other poaching related cases.

The incident came a day after another suspect was sentenced to five years in jail and or a fine of Sh1.8 million by a Nyahururu Court following the enactment of the new KWS Act which provides for heavy penalties in a bid to end poaching.