On Friday the 28th Of June 2019, The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), seized 800 kilogrammes of bush meat at the popular Burma market located in Nairobi’s Eastland area.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said in a statement, “Kenya Wildfire Service’s security team in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies have so far arrested fifteen suspects who were on Thursday arraigned before a Kibera Law court to answer to charges of dealing, and being in possession of bush meat and selling uninspected meat among other charges,”.
The confiscated meat was being sold to unsuspecting customers as beef.
Buying and selling bush meat, is illegal in Kenya.
Individuals caught engaging in such practices, face a jail term of not less than three years without an option of a fine.
According to The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the consumption of bush meat poses a major public health risk since it is not inspected.
Diseases such as Ebola and Anthrax come from wild animals.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) also added that the arrest occurred after two poaching incidents which took place at Olturoto in Kajiado County and Portland Farm next to Game Ranch in Athi River, Machakos County on Wednesday where two zebras were killed.
In addition, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) further indicated that a vehicle which is believed to have been used by the criminals to ferry the recovered bush meat was impounded as well.
It also emerged that the outlet selling the bush meat did not have a permit or license.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) also made it known that the suspects involved in poaching for bush meat have also been involved in livestock theft in parts of Kajiado and Machakos counties.
