Man jailed for a year over Sh3m elephant tusks

KILIGORIS, KENYA: A middle aged man who was found guilty of possessing 15 kg elephant tusks worth Sh3 million has been jailed for a year by a Kiligoris court.

Matura Tegetege was convicted by the Kilgoris acting Senior Resident Magistrate Amos Mokoross after he was found on June 27 2013 at Nyamaranya village, Kehancha in Migori County in possession of five pieces of the contraband.

He was further accused of dealing in game trophies contrary to Wildlife Management and Conservation Act 2013 and for failing to report the matter to the relevant authorities.

Inspector Thomas Simbiri who led the prosecution had earlier told the court that the accused was arrested by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers on a tip off.

"A ranger went to his house and was shown the five pieces of ivory in a sack. He excused himself pretending to go and collect the money the accused had demanded," said Simbiri who added that he later called others to arrest him.

The arrest took place after he agreed to sell a kilogram for Sh200, 000; the prosecution added and said his accomplice managed to escape.

Tegetege denied the charges claiming that he had been framed by his enemies.