Two individuals were apprehended while engaged in the trafficking of elephant tusks weighing 14 kilograms during an operation in Imenti North, Meru County.

Authorities from the police and the Kenya Wildlife Service reported that the two suspects were captured along Njuri Ncheke Street, close to Post Bank in Meru Town.

The suspects were discovered with seven pieces of elephant tusks, which weighed approximately 14 kilograms and had an estimated value of Sh1.5 million.

This incident coincided with the arrest of another group of three traffickers, who were found with 48 kilograms of elephant tusks in Kiritiri village, Embu County.

The trio was apprehended by a team of KWS personnel who had received information regarding their search for a market for the tusks.

Officials assessed the value of the ivory at Sh4.8 million.

According to KWS officials and police, the tusks were concealed in two green gunny bags and were being transported along the Siakago-Kiritiri road when the arrests occurred on May 28.

Among the suspects was a woman, who was found with six pieces of ivory while riding a motorcycle, as reported by the police.

They have been detained in anticipation of their forthcoming arraignment.

Officials suspect that the tusks were sourced from poachers who had killed at least three elephants in nearby game reserves.

The suspects are expected to face charges for possessing wildlife trophies of endangered species, in violation of Section 92(4) of the Wildlife Conservation Management Act 2013.

Elephant tusks command a high price in the black market, as the increasing demand for ivory in the East continues to drive the illegal trade in elephant tusks, particularly from Africa.

The illicit ivory trade is primarily driven by demand in Asia and the Middle East, where elephant tusks and rhino horns are utilized to create ornaments and traditional medicines.

Officials indicate that, despite a prohibition on the international ivory trade, African elephants continue to be poached in significant numbers.

In an effort to combat this issue, Kenya has begun employing advanced surveillance technology, including drones, to monitor poachers and keep track of elephants and rhinos.

On Thursday, May 29, two individuals were apprehended in Eldoret Town due to their alleged participation in a mobile phone hacking and resale scheme.

Acting on a public tip-off, officers from the National Police Service (NPS), in collaboration with M-KOPA liaison personnel, conducted a raid on a phone repair shop located near the Eldoret Shuttle booking office.

During the operation, the officers discovered the suspects engaged in flashing 28 various mobile phones, including some that belonged to M-KOPA.

According to the police, the two individuals are suspected to be part of a larger syndicate involved in flashing stolen or credit-purchased phones to evade payment responsibilities.

Throughout the operation, several electronic devices believed to be utilized in the illegal activities were seized.

These items included two HP laptops, two CPUs, seven hard drives, one Pandora Box, one dongle, and one JTAG device.

The police have stated that this equipment is capable of modifying IMEI numbers and circumventing phone security measures.

The suspects are currently detained at Eldoret Police Station while forensic investigations are ongoing.

The National Police Service is encouraging the public to stay vigilant and report any illegal activities to the nearest police station or via toll-free numbers 999, 911, 112, and #FichuakwaDCI (0800 722 203).

“The NPS cautions the public against purchasing suspiciously inexpensive mobile devices from dishonest traders or engaging in fraudulent activities,” the statement indicated.

The arrest of these two individuals occurred just two weeks after six other suspects were detained, along with various stolen mobile phones recovered during an operation in Nairobi.

The police reported that they also confiscated Sh614,000 from the suspects, which is believed to be the proceeds of criminal activity.

The recovered mobile phones were stolen from different areas of the city and are valued at Sh3 million, as stated by Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Sedah.

He further mentioned that they are in pursuit of additional suspects related to this crime.

The operation remains active.

A Tanzanian Member of Parliament, Zahor Mohamed, has stated that the neighboring country has accepted President William Ruto’s apology, emphasizing that both Kenya and Tanzania should adopt diplomatic measures to resolve any issues that may arise.

Zahor Mohamed, however, underscored the necessity for Kenya and Tanzania to work towards addressing emerging matters through established channels to enhance their bilateral relations.

Zahor serves as the MP for the Mwera constituency in Tanzania and is affiliated with the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.

While addressing his colleagues in the Tanzanian Parliament on Thursday, May 29, 2025, the lawmaker stressed the significance of the mutual relationship shared between the two nations and advocated for initiatives to repair and sustain their friendship.

Mohamed acknowledged that it is not uncommon for closely cooperating countries to encounter disagreements, but such differences should not undermine their long-standing relations.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude promptly. I have read that our friend and brother, President Ruto, has extended an apology to us. We accept it because no human being is without fault. It is possible that we too have erred, and we must forgive one another to allow life to progress, as we are all prone to making mistakes,” Zahor remarked.

“I would also like to encourage that, even in instances where we as Parliament may have faltered, the reality is that we need each other as friends and neighboring countries. Collaboration is not without its challenges,” he added.

During the National Prayer Breakfast held at Safari Park on Wednesday, President Ruto apologized to neighboring countries Uganda and Tanzania for any grievances caused by Kenya.

“To our neighbors from Tanzania, if we have wronged you in any manner, we ask for your forgiveness. To our friends from Uganda, if there is anything that Kenyans have done that is inappropriate, we wish to apologize,” President Ruto declared.

The diplomatic strain between Kenya and Tanzania stemmed from the deportation of Kenyan activists who had traveled to Tanzania.

The National Police Service (NPS) has informed the public about a traffic jam occurring between Emali and Masimba on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway due to a tragic accident involving three trailers.

In a statement, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga disclosed that the three trailers collided on a railway bridge in the Jet Inn area, completely obstructing the road.

He further mentioned that police officers have been sent to the location and are collaborating with relevant agencies to restore normal traffic conditions.

Vehicles heading to Mombasa have been advised to take the Machakos–Wote–Makindu route, while those traveling to Nairobi may choose the Makindu–Wote–Machakos route.

“We encourage motorists to be patient and adhere to lane discipline, and to consider alternative routes to alleviate congestion and improve safety,” the statement partially read.

“NPS reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholding law and order on our roads.”

The Ministry of Agriculture has initiated a process to acquire the entire stock of rice from farmers participating in the Mwea Irrigation Scheme in order to satisfy the increasing demand for this commodity within the nation.

In a statement, Bruno Linyiru, the Director General of the Agriculture and Food Authority, clarified that the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) is set to purchase over 5,000 metric tonnes of domestically produced rice, which is estimated to be worth around Ksh.500 million, with payments to farmers being made within a month following delivery.

This decision was made in response to a request from farmers for the government to temporarily suspend rice imports, allowing for the sale of the current local stock.

To address this issue, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe instructed the AFA to visit the region and seek a resolution. The Director General of AFA noted that Kenya is projected to produce only 191,000 metric tonnes of rice in the 2024/25 period, which would suffice for a duration of two months. Linyiru further mentioned that Kenya relies on rice imports to complement the domestic supply.

After the tour, AFA, in collaboration with other stakeholders, reached an agreement to cut rice imports by 50 percent by enhancing irrigation schemes and introducing high-yield rice varieties to boost local food production.

Farmers have also raised concerns regarding unethical practices by certain retailers who are mislabeling imported rice as local brands. To address this issue, AFA has committed to a stringent crackdown on such practices to safeguard both farmers and consumers.

The Ministry reiterates its dedication to protecting the interests of Kenyan farmers and fostering local agricultural value chains as part of the national food security strategy,” the statement partially read.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has initiated a manhunt for a primary suspect involved in a case of theft by Servant, following a theft incident reported this month.

According to the DCI, Alosi Rodgers Ochieng’ along with several accomplices infiltrated the accounts office of their organization and absconded with cash and valuables valued at millions of shillings.

The incident is said to have taken place during May 2025.

After the theft was uncovered, investigators observed unusual behavior among the suspects.

“Upon detection of the theft, Rodgers and his criminal associates secluded themselves, failing to report to work,” as stated by the DCI.

The case has been allocated to the DCI’s Serious Crimes Unit, which has been carrying out preliminary investigations. Their findings have reportedly positioned Ochieng’ at the crime scene.

The DCI is urging members of the public who may possess information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts or any details that could aid in his capture to come forward.

Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, together with a member of the public, Dickson Oruko Oburu, has submitted a petition aimed at halting the establishment of a second-hand clothing market in Bondo Town.

The pair, represented by their attorney Sylvia Nyambeki, successfully secured an injunction from the Siaya High Court, which prevents the Siaya County Government from advancing with the development of the proposed Mitumba market.

This case, filed under a certificate of urgency at the Siaya Environment and Lands Court, was approved by the presiding judge, Justice Edda Dena.

This legal move follows shortly after Siaya Governor James Orengo initiated the construction of the facility on May 5, 2025, intending to create a more favorable environment for traders dealing in second-hand clothing, commonly referred to as mitumba.

On May 27, 2025, Lady Justice Edda Dena ruled that, due to the urgency of the situation, the current status of parcels Bondo Township/58 and Bondo Township/59 as of May 26, 2025, must be preserved.

She also instructed that no additional construction or development should occur on the aforementioned parcels until the court issues further instructions.

Dr. Oburu and Mr. Oruko, identified as the first and second plaintiffs, respectively, indicated in their affidavits that they legally acquired a 99-year lease for the parcels, effective from July 1, 2024.

The Siaya County Government is named as the respondent in this lawsuit, while the National Land Commission is recognized as an interested party. In their claim, the plaintiffs allege that the county government has encroached upon their legally obtained land without adhering to the appropriate procedures.

They also contend that traders have been informally utilizing the parcels for business activities.

The Environment and Lands Court is set to provide further directions regarding the case on Friday, May 30, 2025.

On Thursday, a South African mother along with two accomplices received life sentences for trafficking her then-6-year-old daughter, a case that has captured national attention since the child went missing last year.

Kelly Smith, her partner Jacquen Appollis, and their associate Steveno Van Rhyn were found guilty of kidnapping and trafficking the girl, Joshlin Smith, after she vanished from a small town in the Western Cape.

In a trial that stunned the nation, a witness testified that Kelly Smith confided in her that she had sold her daughter to a sangoma, or traditional healer, for 20,000 rand ($1,100), claiming the girl was sought after for her “eyes and skin”.

Despite a thorough police search, Joshlin Smith has yet to be located.

While announcing their sentences on Thursday, high court judge Nathan Erasmus remarked that the fact that Kelly Smith, Appollis, and Van Rhyn were drug users did not serve as a valid justification.

“There is nothing that I can find that is redeeming and deserving of a lesser sentence than the harshest I can impose,” Erasmus stated.

For their kidnapping conviction, the three received 10-year prison sentences.

A dispute between two brothers regarding a memory card escalated tragically when one brother attacked the other with a panga, resulting in his death in Cheptais, Bungoma County.

As reported by the police, the brothers were aged 19, who was in form three, and 15, who was a grade eight student in the locality.

The younger sibling assaulted the elder with a sharp panga, striking him on the neck and head, which led to his demise.

Following the incident, he fled the scene. The quarrel over the memory card occurred in their home before it turned violent on May 27, according to police reports.

Authorities are currently making efforts to locate him, while the body has been transported to the mortuary.

In a separate case, detectives are looking into the murder of a 70-year-old man found dead in Ganze, Kilifi County.

According to police, the remains of Samuel Thoya Baya were discovered in the village following an assault.

He had gone to the Dzikunge area for shopping on May 27 when the incident took place.

The motive behind this incident remains unclear. There has been a concerning increase in murder cases targeting elderly individuals in the region, coinciding with a campaign aimed at addressing this issue.