2 Kenyans fined $200,000 for dealing with wildlife trophies

Two Kenyans were on Monday fined 200,000 U.S. dollars or spend the rest of their lives in prison in default for illegally dealing in wildlife trophies.

Samuel Emana Ekudongoi and Peter Emajong appeared before a Nyahururu court in central Kenya to face two counts related to illegal possession and dealing in wildlife trophies.

The two suspects were arrested while in possession of three pieces of elephant tusks weighing 6.5 kilograms.

They faced two counts; the first being illegal possession of wildlife trophies for which they were fined one million shillings or each to serve five years imprisonment in default.

In the second count, they were convicted of dealing in wildlife trophies and were fined 200,000 dollars each or to serve life imprisonment in default.

The East Africa nation enacted the Wildlife Conservation and Management Bill 2013 which offers stiffer jail sentences and massive fines for wildlife crimes.

In the new Bill those convicted of offences relating to endangered and threatened species are liable to fines of not less than 100,000 dollars or to imprisonment of not less than 15 years or both.

Previously, punishment for the most serious wildlife crimes was capped at a maximum fine of 400 dollars and a possible jail term of up to 10 years.

Kenyan officials said the stiff punishments are meant to tackle the rising cases of poachers killing wildlife for tusks, horns and skins for sale.

Sport hunting, now classified as category B attracts a five-year jail term, 50,000 dollars fine or both while category C animal hunters will pay 10,000 dollars, a two-year jail term or both.

Those found hunting or trading in bush-meat face a one-year jail term, a 2,000 dollars fine or both if convicted. Compensation for life lost to a wild animal has been increased to 50,000 dollars.