Two suspected poachers shot dead and firearms recovered

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KWS Spokesperson, Mr Paul Mbugua, displays firearms and rounds of ammunition recovered from suspected poachers at a past press conference.

Two suspected poachers were last evening gunned down and two firearms recovered in Labendera  Mosiro area of Kajiado County.  

The first suspect was shot dead in a fierce exchange of fire while the accomplice, who fled with injuries, was killed moments later from a bush he was hiding 400 metres away. 

The second suspect had fled under a hail of bullets and hid in the bush from where he continued shooting at the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) patrol rangers who were in pursuit. Finally, he was brought down.   

At the initial shootout scene, an AK 47 rifle with 13 rounds of ammunition, an axe, one spent cartridge, a mobile phone and a national identification card were recovered at the scene of the fierce gunfight.

At the second scene of fighting, another AK 47 rifle with 52 rounds of ammunition and a spare magazine were recovered.

From the physical appearance and identification documents found on one suspect, both suspects were not from the local community. However, we believe they must have been working with some members of the local community.  

Police and KWS are investigating to establish the origin of the suspects and their local collaborators. 

The KWS patrol rangers were monitoring elephant movements in the area when they encountered the two armed men trailing the animals. A shootout ensued resulting in the death of the two suspects. 

Illegal elephant killings have been reported from that area and it’s suspected that the gang was involved.  

KWS teams are still combing the area.