Man Learns Fate After Being Found With Elephant Tusks Worth Ksh380,000

DPP secures a five-year jail term in Tana River as court convicts a man over elephant tusks possession. PHOTO/ High Court

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has recorded a major win in the fight against wildlife trafficking after a court in Tana River County sentenced a man to five years in prison for unlawful possession of elephant tusks.

The case proceeded at the Garsen Law Court, where Prosecution Counsel Job Nyakundi led the State’s case before Leah Wasige.

The prosecution told the court that strong evidence firmly linked the accused to the offence.

“In building a strong case against the accused, the prosecution presented five witnesses, including an expert witness and the investigating officer, whose evidence firmly linked the accused to the offence,” the prosecution told the court.

The defence later asked the court to consider a non-custodial sentence, relying on medical documents and a pre-sentence report that favoured probation.

However, the prosecution opposed the request.

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DPP Rejects Non-Custodial Sentence Request in Tusks Case

Following his conviction, the defence urged the court to impose a non-custodial sentence, relying on medical documents and a pre-sentence report that favoured probation.

However, the prosecution successfully opposed the application, arguing that the medical records presented were outdated, having been issued in 2024, and that wildlife-related offences remain prevalent in the area.

The court convicted Ahmed Guyo Hiddi for possessing trophies of an endangered wildlife species without a permit or exemption from the Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Further, the court heard that on January 19, 2024 at Tarasaa Junction in Ngao Location, Tana River County, officers found him in possession of two pieces of elephant tusks weighing approximately 3.8 kilograms and valued at Ksh. 380,000.

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Witness Testimony and Evidence

During sentencing, the court imposed a five-year prison term or an alternative fine of KSh 3 million after considering submissions from the prosecution.

“In agreement with the prosecution’s submissions, the court sentenced the accused to five years in prison or a fine of KSh 3 million. The convict was subsequently committed to Malindi GK Prison,” the court ruled.

The conviction highlights the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) continued commitment to strengthening action against wildlife crime and protecting Kenya’s endangered species.

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