Man found with python skin charged

By Renson Mnyamwezi

Taita-Taveta, Kenya: A poacher has been fined Sh1 million after he was found in possession of a python skin in Taita-Taveta County.

Appearing before Voi Senior Principal Magistrate Samuel Wahome, Juman Musa Mrarwa was convicted to a five-year prison term if he cannot pay the fine.

Prosecutor Chief Inspector Andrew Katukiu said the accused was on April 20, this year, found in possession of the python skin with a street value of Sh30,000 without a permit.

This is contrary to section 84 (1) and section 95 of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013 Laws of Kenya.

Caught redhanded

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Katuku told the court that Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers posed as buyers and they were able to nab Mrarwa red handed since he fell for the ruse.

In mitigation, the accused said he has one child and a family that entirely depends on him.

In handing out his judgement, Wahome gave the accused 14 days to appeal against the sentence. He also ordered the court exhibits to be released to KWS for safe custody.

In the same court, another poacher was fined Sh200,000 or serve a one-year prison term in default for entering Tsavo East National Park without authorisation.

Mwangu Ngombalu pleaded guilty before Wahome.

He also faced an alternative charge of being in possession of hunting apparatus at the park.

The prosecution said among the hunting items the accused was found with include bows and several poisoned arrows, knife, axe, five kilogrammes of maize flour and half a litre of cooking oil.

When interogated by KWS officials, Ngombalu did not have a good reason for being in the park.