A middle-aged man has been arrested in Malindi and placed in lawful custody as authorities investigate how he came into possession of a turtle, in violation of wildlife protection laws. The suspect, Kazungu Mwavuo Ngala, a Malindi resident, appeared before Malindi Resident Magistrate Grace Mutemi on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
He has been released on a bond of Ksh.200,000, with an additional surety of Ksh.100,000. The prosecution alleges that Kazungu was found with a tortoise, an endangered species, while transporting it on a motorcycle on Sunday, September 1st.
Abigael Cate, the Marine Wildlife Conservation Planning Manager, confirmed Kazungu’s arrest following reports from local residents. The tortoise was believed to have been transported from Kipini, Tana River County, before Kazungu was apprehended. The case is set to be mentioned again on September 12th.
