Police officer denies selling rhino horns

A policeman accused of cocking his pistol to prevent wildlife officers from arresting him and his accomplices was Tuesday charged with dealing in game trophy and misuse of a firearm.

Kenya Wildlife Service officers found Mr Henry Mokua Onsongo selling rhino horns worth Sh1.2 million at a hotel parking lot in South B, Nairobi, on March 8, the court heard.

The court was further told that the officer, who is attached to the Industrial Area Police Station, was in the company of his accomplices, Mr Eliud Wanyonyi and Mr Richard Ngeleka, a Congolese.
Mr Onsongo was charged with obstructing wildlife officers Christopher Odhiambo and Michael Bett from carrying out their duties.

The court heard that the three suspects had hidden the horns in a car.

The suspects denied the charges and the prosecution opposed their bail application, citing the seriousness of the offences.

Prosecutor Didi Wamukoya said since Mr Ngeleka was a foreigner, he could easily abscond if released on bail.

“When deciding on the bail application, the court should take note that the offences are serious,” said the prosecutor.

Kibera Chief Magistrate Judith Wanjala will rule on the application tomorrow.

Elsewhere, a man’s body was found inside a car that was dumped in Kahawa West on Monday evening.

Kasarani police boss Francis Sang said the man’s head was wrapped in polythene bags.