The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has secured a major victory in the fight against wildlife crime after a court sentenced a man to five years in prison for illegally possessing elephant tusks in Tana River County.
Ahmed Guyo Hiddi was convicted and sentenced by the Garsen Law Court after prosecutors successfully proved that he was unlawfully in possession of trophies from an endangered wildlife species without the required permit from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
According to court records, Hiddi was arrested on January 19, 2024, at Tarasaa Junction in Ngao Location, Tana River County, while in possession of two elephant tusks weighing approximately 3.8 kilograms and valued at Sh380,000.
In a statement, the ODPP said the conviction underscores its commitment to combating wildlife-related crimes and protecting Kenya’s natural heritage.
“The prosecution successfully proved that the accused was in possession of trophies of an endangered wildlife species without the requisite permit or exemption from the Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service,” the ODPP said.
The case was prosecuted by Prosecution 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 directly linked the accused to the offence.
Although the defence sought a non-custodial sentence, citing medical grounds and a favourable pre-sentence report recommending probation, the prosecution opposed the request.
“Wildlife-related offences remain prevalent in the area, and a deterrent sentence is necessary to send a strong message on the importance of wildlife conservation and the protection of Kenya’s endangered species for future generations,” the prosecution argued.
The court agreed with the prosecution’s submissions and sentenced Hiddi to five years in prison or a fine of Sh3 million. He was subsequently committed to Malindi GK Prison.
“The conviction demonstrates the ODPP’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that offenders involved in wildlife crimes are held accountable for actions that threaten Kenya’s rich biodiversity,” the prosecution stated.
The sentence is expected to bolster ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies and conservation stakeholders to curb illegal wildlife trafficking and safeguard endangered species across the country.
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