Poacher now fights to save wildlife

“I started the illegal ivory trade in 2002. I was the ring leader of a group of more than 15 poachers and we worked in cartels from as far as Mombasa to Nairobi, where we would supply elephant tusks concealed in maize bags,” said Mr John Kaimoi alias Cheres, a reformed poacher, who is now ready to work with the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Mr Kaimoi, 33, a former renowned poacher who gave KWS rangers sleepless nights killing elephants in Rimoi and Kamnarok game reserves in Kerio Valley, stunned many in Kabarnet town, Baringo County, last week when he declared he had changed his ways and promised to work with the KWS in wildlife conservation.

In an interview with the Nation, the father of six who has just completed a two-year jail term for poaching, admitted to being behind the rampant killing of elephants in Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet and called on others to abandon the illegal trade.

Mr Kaimoi, who is from Keturwo in Baringo North District, narrated that they had an elaborate network to supply ivory and avoid hawk-eyed wildlife officials.

“We used to kill elephants at night using spears. Traders would then call us and in no time, we would make a lot of money,” said the soft-spoken man.

He disclosed that in the 10 years he poached wildlife, his gang killed more than 70 elephants whose ivory they sold at between Sh5,000 and Sh10,000 a kilogramme.

Mr Kaimoi at this point stressed the need for residents to be educated on wildlife conservation.

On a good night, he continued, they made more than Sh500,000. For instance, a mature elephant’s tusk weighs between 25 and 30kg.

“It is true we made a lot of money but I cannot even account for it. That’s why I decided to turn over a new leaf and champion for the conservation of wildlife,” he said.

He blamed the thriving illegal trade on the high prices on the black market.

“It will be very difficult to disband the cartels in the trade as it is deep rooted with some influential people sometimes being involved,” Mr Kaimoi said. But what made him venture into the illegal trade? In tears, the former poacher, who was initially a cattle trader, revealed how he turned to poaching after his business collapsed when a friend conned him of all his earnings and disappeared.

His luck ended in 2010 when he was arrested at Kamnarok Game Reserve with a spear and two pangas. He was found guilty and jailed for two years at Kabarnet GK prison. His accomplices escaped.

After his release from prison, Mr Kaimoi approached KWS officials and told them of his intention to champion wildlife conservation.

“We thank God that he has finally seen the light and we call on others out there to follow suit as KWS has declared war of poachers. No action will be taken against those who surrender,” said Mr Kipkeu.