By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 3 June 2026 - A Tana River court has sentenced a man to five years in prison or a fine of KSh3 million after he was found guilty of illegally possessing elephant tusks, in a case hailed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) as a major victory in the fight against wildlife crime.
Ahmed Guyo Hiddi was convicted by the Garsen Law Court for possessing trophies of an endangered wildlife species without a permit or exemption from the Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
The court heard that on 19 January 2024, Hiddi was arrested at Tarasaa Junction in Ngao Location, Tana River County, while in possession of two elephant tusks weighing about 3.8 kilograms and valued at KSh380,000.
The case was prosecuted by State Counsel Job Nyakundi before Principal Magistrate Leah Wasige.
During the trial, the prosecution presented five witnesses, including an expert witness and the investigating officer, whose testimonies established the accused's unlawful possession of the wildlife trophies.
Following the conviction, the defence sought a non-custodial sentence, citing medical records and a pre-sentence report that recommended probation. However, the prosecution opposed the application, arguing that the medical documents were outdated and that wildlife crimes remain common in the region.
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The prosecution further urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence to reinforce wildlife conservation efforts and protect endangered species from illegal exploitation.
In her ruling, Judge Wasige agreed with the prosecution's submissions and sentenced Hiddi to five years' imprisonment or a fine of KSh 3 million. He was subsequently committed to Malindi G.K Prison.
"The conviction underscores the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions' commitment to combating wildlife crime and ensuring that offenders are held accountable for actions that threaten Kenya's rich natural heritage," the ODPP said in a statement.
Kenya has intensified efforts to curb wildlife trafficking, which remains a major threat to endangered species such as elephants and rhinos. Conservation agencies and prosecutors have increasingly worked together to secure convictions and deter illegal trade in wildlife products.