KWS Launches Investigation over Rhino Death

Dead rhino Nairobi National Park

Kenya Wildlife Service has launched investigations into Sunday's killing of a female rhino at the Nairobi National Park. The horns of the rhino were hacked and taken away.

According to KWS Corporate Communications Manager Mr. Paul Udoto "KWS is conducting an investigations to into the killing to try and establish how the poachers managed to get in and out of the Nairobi National Park, shoot a rhino and get away with the horns without detection. We will take the appropriate action after we have identified the culprits," he said.

Last week, four suspected poachers were shot dead by KWS officers at Solio Ranch in Nyeri and Meru National Park in two separate incidents. A suspect escaped
with injuries when they were found trailing a rhino at night at Solio Rhino Sanctuary in Nyeri county. KWS officers recovered a gun with seven bullets and assorted poaching weapons.

Udoto said a suspect was killed and four others injured by KWS rangers on Friday in Meru county. One of the injured suspects later succumbed to injuries. KWS officers recovered a gun, five bullets and an axe.

The new Wildlife Act provides stiffer penalties for those convicted of poaching or dealing in wildlife trophies. Poaching convicts face life imprisonment and a fine of up to Sh20 million.