4 Arrested as CS Miano Reveals 15 Amboseli Elephants Likely Died From Poisoning

Four people have been arrested as investigations continue into the deaths of elephants in the Amboseli ecosystem.

In a statement dated Saturday, August 22, 2026, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said preliminary investigations indicate that 15 of the elephants may have died after ingesting a toxic substance.

“Preliminary laboratory results point to the probable involvement of a toxic substance, with earlier indications suggesting cyanide poisoning arising from the ingestion of pesticide-contaminated tomatoes sourced from farms adjacent to wildlife habitats,” Miano said.

15 Amboseli Elephants Likely Died From Poisoning

The first 15 elephant deaths were recorded between June 24 and July 24, 2026. The deaths prompted the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), security agencies and scientific bodies to launch investigations into what caused them.

CS Miano said the findings are still preliminary and must undergo further scientific verification before the investigation is concluded.

According to the CS, the multi-agency team has made progress in the investigation, with four suspects arrested as persons of interest.

Also Read: KWS Reveals Latest Findings on Deaths of 16 Elephants in Amboseli

Investigators are also looking for another person believed to have information that could help establish what happened to the elephants.

A search conducted in Tikondo, Kimana, within Loitoktok Sub County, led to the recovery of several substances, including chemicals believed to have been sourced from a neighbouring country.

The materials were unlabelled and potentially toxic. They have been secured and will undergo further scientific analysis.

The Tourism CS cautioned that the arrest of the four suspects and the recovery of the chemicals do not automatically prove that they were involved in the deaths.

She said investigators and the courts would be allowed to complete the legal process before responsibility is established. Anyone found to have unlawfully killed, poisoned, or harmed wildlife will be prosecuted according to the law.

Government Boosts Surveillance and Wildlife Protection

CS Miano said the deaths in Amboseli are not only a wildlife conservation issue but also a national security concern.

She said the government is strengthening measures to protect wildlife across national parks, reserves, conservancies, forests, rangelands, wetlands and other areas where wild animals live.

The measures include improved intelligence gathering, surveillance, scientific investigations and law enforcement.

The government will also increase monitoring of hazardous substances that could threaten wildlife, people and the environment.

Also Read: Mystery as 15 Elephants Die in Amboseli

These measures will target the misuse, illegal application, trafficking and careless handling of dangerous chemicals.

Miano said government agencies will also improve information sharing and joint operations to ensure threats to wildlife are identified and addressed quickly.

She noted that wildlife often moves beyond protected areas into community, private and agricultural land.

For this reason, she said that cooperation among government agencies, communities, landowners, and conservancies is important for protecting wildlife.

The Cabinet Secretary praised communities living around the Amboseli ecosystem for helping investigators and sharing information.

She encouraged the public to report wildlife crime through lawful channels.

Miano said the government would continue pursuing all credible leads in the investigation and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.

She also assured Kenyans and the international conservation community that the government remains committed to protecting Kenya’s wildlife and preserving the country’s conservation gains for future generations.

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Toursim CS Rebecca Miano while appearing before the Public Petitions Committee. PHOTO/Parliament.