Port ivory haul ‘could be from State House’

PHOTO | FILE State House, Nairobi.

What you need to know:

  • Sources say haul intercepted by police was stolen from President’s working quarters

Some of the ivory stolen from State House may be part of a haul intercepted at the port of Mombasa, an official familiar with investigations revealed on Sunday.

However, Mombasa port district criminal investigation officer Mwera Makuri said he is not aware that some of the seized ivory pieces were among those stolen at State House, Mombasa.

Speaking in an interview with the Nation, Mr Makuri said they are yet to establish the source of the ivory valued at millions of shillings.

Crucial leads

But he said they have obtained crucial leads to assist them arrest those behind the smuggling of the ivory.

“So far we are yet to find out the source of the consignment, “ added Mr Makuri.

Coast Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) assistant director Arthur Tuda added that a meeting will be convened today at the port of Mombasa for stakeholders to be briefed on the ongoing probe.

He declined to divulge any progress made so far and referred us to Mr Makuri whom he said is the only one designated to talk to the media.

“We are convening a meeting of all stakeholders tomorrow (today). I cannot comment on ongoing investigation,” added Mr Tuda.

Meanwhile an official at State House Mombasa has been sacked over the disappearance of the ivory from the highly protected building. The official identified as a caretaker was sent home to pave way for investigation following the incident which occurred around April 13 this year.

“Only three pieces of ivories disappeared at first but many were later found missing in other rooms,” said the source, who cannot be named because he is not authorised to talk to the press.