Poachers on rhino hunt mission killed in park

Two poachers were killed on Saturday and a rifle with six bullets seized at Lake Nakuru National Park.

The two had just laid an ambush on a rhino path — between a watering hole and grazing fields — when rangers patrolling the eastern side of the park noticed their movements.

Nakuru County Commissioner Mohammed Birik said the poachers did not heed warning shots and instead engaged the officers in an exchange of fire.

“The rangers asked the two to surrender but they resisted, prompting the shoot-out,” said Mr Birik.

The two poachers were also armed with a knife and an axe, used to remove rhino horns.

He added that the two had a loaf of bread, a packet of milk and a bottle of soda, an indication they were planning to spend some time at the park.

“They were also in warm weather clothing. The weapons they had also indicate they were targeting rhinos,” he added.

Mr Birik said anyone with similar intentions of poaching risked death.

He added that no case of poaching has been reported this year at the park, owing to enhanced security.

KWS central rift assistant director George Osuri said they had initiated several community projects to win local support in fighting poaching.

Lake Nakuru National Park has a population of 80 rhinos, both black and white.