Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) sleuths have impounded over 200kg of wild meat in Naivasha that was destined for Nairobi City.
This latest incident has put a spotlight on Naivasha and Gilgil as the main source of wild game meat that is consumed in the popular Burma Market.
During the arrest, three people were nabbed at Marula Farm located off the Nairobi-Nakuru highway as they were loading the buffalo meat into a gate-away personal car after a tip-off by security guards of the farm.
KWS assistant director of Central Rift Region Aggrey Maumo said that the cases of game meat trade was on the rise in the area recently.
“Our intelligence indicates that majority of the game meat that finds its way in Burma market is sourced from Naivasha and Gilgil and we are keen to contain this,” said Maumo.
“There are so many wild animals away from the parks and the ranches and the unscrupulous traders are taking advantage of this to kill them and sell the meat to unsuspecting customers,” he added.
According to Mr Maumo, KWS has formed a special team to curb the issue and they are working with the local communities so as to protect the wildlife.
The arrest came a couple of days after the officers arrested two suspects along the highway while in possession of elephant ivory weighing 14kgs.
In June 2019, about 800kg of bush meat was seized in Burma Market, Nairobi and 15 people arrested for selling it as beef to unsuspecting customers.
Buying and selling bush meat is illegal and anyone arrested faces a jail term of not less than three years without the option of a fine.
Consumption of bush meat is also a public health risk since the meat is not inspected for diseases like Ebola and anthrax which are linked to wild animals.
Leave a comment