Nakuru man charged with possessing 300kg of buffalo meat

A man has been charged with being in possession of 300kg of game meat worth Sh120,000.

Joseph Kimani Kamau was allegedly found cutting off buffalo meat without a permit at Lake Nakuru National Park, contrary to the Wild Life Conservation and Management Act.

The suspect was arrested on Tuesday by Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) rangers.

Kamau is also facing another count of entering the national park illegally.

According to the new wildlife Act, which took effect early last year, a person found hunting or trading in bush meat faces a one-year jail term or a Sh200, 000 fine or both if convicted.

The stiff punishments are meant to tackle the rising cases of poachers killing wildlife for tusks, meat, horns and skins for sale.

 LIFE SENTENCE

Poachers and dealers in illegal animal trophies face life imprisonment and a fine of more than Sh20 million under the new law meant to protect endangered wildlife like elephants and rhinos.

Kamau was charged jointly with others not before the court. The other suspects allegedly took off upon realising that KWS on patrol within the park had seen them leaving the meat and a panga, which had been used to butcher the buffalo, behind.

The accused pleaded not guilty to two counts yesterday before Nakuru Chief Magistrate Doreen Mulekyo, who convened a special hearing of the case.

This was to enable part of the meat, which had been produced at the court as an exhibit, be disposed off by KWS officers.

Investigations officer Police Constable Francis Osebe said 50 kgs of the meat was taken to Government Chemist for confirmation.

Kimani was granted a Sh10,000 bond or cash bail of Sh50,000.

The hearing will continue on March 3.