Police and wildlife officers launched investigations into a poaching incident in Dadaab, Garissa County, after a giraffe was found unlawfully killed at Qoqar Dam in Alikune Location.
According to officials, the incident was reported on Monday evening, although the giraffe is believed to have been killed earlier at about 4.45pm.
Officers from Dagahaley Police Station, working jointly with personnel from the Kenya Wildlife Service, visited the scene and found the carcass of the giraffe.
Investigators established that the security team pursued the suspected poachers and fired warning shots in an attempt to arrest them. However, the suspects managed to escape.
During the operation, officers recovered a Carbine rifle loaded with six rounds of 7.62 x 39mm special ammunition. The firearm was seized and is being held as an exhibit as investigations continue.
The carcass was disposed of in the area.
Police said efforts to trace and arrest the suspects are ongoing.
Such incidents have been on the rise in the area amid efforts to address the menace. The meat which is usually not inspected is sold to unsuspecting consumers in the area and elsewhere.
Officials have since sustained operations to contain the menace. This has led to arrest of dozens of suspects and recovery of some of the weapons used in the poaching trend.
The poachers have been persistent in their game amid the operations. They have cars that they use in transporting their meat to the intended destinations.
On Tuesday, officials said they were pursuing the gang behind the latest incident.
