The Government has intensified investigations into the deaths of 18 elephants in the Amboseli ecosystem, with preliminary laboratory findings pointing to possible poisoning by a toxic substance.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary said the first 15 elephant deaths were recorded between June 24 and July 24, prompting the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to launch a multi-agency investigation involving security, investigative and scientific agencies.
Preliminary laboratory results indicate the elephants may have died after ingesting cyanide linked to pesticide-contaminated tomatoes sourced from farms adjacent to wildlife habitats.
The CS, however, said the findings are yet to be scientifically verified, with investigations still ongoing.
The multi-agency team has so far arrested four persons of interest and is pursuing another individual believed to have information relevant to the case.
A search in Tikondo, Kimana, within Loitoktok Sub-County, also led to the recovery of assorted substances, including unlabelled chemicals believed to have been sourced from a neighbouring country.
“The Government will allow the investigative and judicial processes to proceed to their lawful conclusion, and any person established to have unlawfully killed, poisoned or harmed wildlife will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” said Miano.
The CS assured that the government is putting in the necessary measures to strengthen wildlife protection beyond national parks and reserves, recognising that animals move freely across community, private and agricultural land.
She said the Ministry, KWS and other agencies will enhance intelligence-led protection, surveillance, scientific investigations and rapid response in areas considered vulnerable to wildlife threats.
Additionally, authorities will step up monitoring of the misuse, illegal application, trafficking and careless handling of hazardous substances that could endanger wildlife, people and ecosystems.
Miano urged the public to provide information on wildlife crime through lawful channels as investigations into the elephant deaths continue.
“I assure Kenyans and the international conservation community that the Government remains firmly committed to safeguarding every species of wildlife in every landscape and seascape where it occurs,” she stated.
