KWS rangers pursue poachers in Tana River
Workers preparations a bulk of contraband tusks and ivory to be burned during the African Elephant Law Enforcement Day in Tsavo West National Park, Kenya, July 20, 2011. Kenya Wildlife Service said on Wednesday that it has strengthened its law enforcement capacity and enhanced collaboration with other security agencies to address poaching. Photo/Xinhua
The Kenya Wildlife Service rangers in Tana River county are pursuing two gangs of suspected poachers, who escaped after a fierce gun fight over the weekend. The rangers, who were on patrol encountered the two gangs of six poachers each at two different locations at Tana River and Garsen.
In the first incident at Dakadima area, one poacher was shot dead and an AK-47 rifle with two magazines and 44 bullets recovered while his five colleagues escaped with injuries. The second incident was at Ananotu area near Garsen where another gang of six poachers engaged the rangers in a fierce gun fight. The gang escaped leaving behind 28 bullets, three magazines of AK-47 rifle, and two tusks of a mature elephant.
Confirming the incidence, Coast Conservation area assistant director Simon Gitau said all the two gangs fled with injuries, adding that the rangers are still pursuing them.
“We are looking for the suspected poachers who our men encountered at two different points in Tana River area .We managed to recover three magazines, two pieces of elephant tusks, one AK 47 rifle and several rounds of ammunition,” said Gitau
He urged members of the public in the region to report any suspicious person with gunshot wounds to the nearest police station or KWS. “Members of the public are advised to be on the alert since this gang that escaped is still armed and dangerous,” said Gitau. He said the KWS is committed in protecting the wildlife and will not leave anything at chance.