Four suspects have been apprehended as part of an investigation into the unexplained elephant deaths in Kenya’s Amboseli ecosystem.
A recent statement issued by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, confirmed that the death toll now stands at 18 elephants with the first 15 deaths recorded between June 24 and July 24.
Miano said preliminary laboratory results point to the probable involvement of a toxic substance with earlier indications suggesting cyanide poisoning arising from the ingestion of pesticide-contaminated tomatoes sourced from farms adjacent to wildlife habitats. “These findings remain subject to further scientific verification before the investigation is deemed complete,” she said.
Miano confirmed that four suspects have been apprehended as persons of interest and investigators are pursuing an additional individual believed to hold information relevant to the case.
“A search conducted in Tikondo, Kimana, within Loitoktok Sub-County led to the recovery of assorted substances, including chemicals believed to have been sourced from a neighbouring country. These potentially toxic and unlabelled materials have been secured for further scientific analysis,” she added.
However, Miano stressed that the investigations remain active and that the arrests and recovery of exhibits do not establish criminal culpability.
She said government will strengthen wildlife protection, surveillance, investigations and law enforcement while increasing monitoring of the misuse and illegal handling of hazardous substances that could endanger wildlife, people and ecosystems.
It will also improve co-operation and information-sharing between agencies to ensure threats are detected and addressed quickly with scientific evidence guiding the response.
