Five suspected poachers gunned down in Pokot

Five suspected poachers were last night shot dead by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers at Chepareria in West Pokot County .

The deaths brings to six the number of suspected poachers killed around the country in a span of two days.

According to KWS, one suspect escaped and two rangers were injured in the confrontation that took place at around 1 am and lasted more than 40 minutes.

“The injured ranger has been airlifted to Nairobi this morning (Saturday) for further treatment while the other was treated in Kitale and discharged,” KWS said in a statement.

Elephant tusks weighing 50kg were recovered together with three AK47 rifles and 15 rounds of ammunition.

“Police have already arrived at the scene of scene of crime while a hot pursuit for the escapee is underway,” KWS said adding that its officers will remain committed to combat poaching and illegal possession of wildlife products.

On Thursday, one suspected poacher was gunned down and six others arrested in three different incidents.

In the first incident, the suspected poacher was gunned down at Kora National Park in Tana River River County and his AK47 rifle and 27 rounds of ammunition recovered.

“He was part of an eight-member gang that engaged Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers in a fierce shoot-out. A hot pursuit for the rest of the gang is underway,” KWS said.

In another incident at Kubisera area in Isiolo County another gang of four suspected poachers were arrested when they engaged KWS rangers.

Following this encounter, one magazine of an AK47, 50 rounds of ammunition, one axe, one machete and two elephant tusks were recovered.

The other two arrests took place at Rumuruti in Laikipia County where a 30/06 type rifle and four rounds of ammunition were recovered.

“This recovery of the rifle was done with the support of the local community. Eland meat weighing 30kg and 3kg of ivory were recovered from the same suspect,” KWS reported.