KWS Takes Action After Deaths of 18 Elephants in Amboseli, Arrests Four
Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the death of 18 elephants at the Amboseli National Park.
This was confirmed by the tourism and wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano, who also announced a major milestone in investigations into the matter.
In a statement on Saturday, August 22, Miano said the four had been apprehended as persons of interest as a multi-agency team continues investigations into the deaths.
Additionally, authorities are also pursuing another individual believed to have information relevant to the case.
“The Government is deeply concerned by the reported deaths of 18 elephants within the Amboseli ecosystem,” Miano stated.
“The first 15 deaths were recorded between June 24 and July 24 2026, prompting the Kenya Wildlife Service, in collaboration with security, investigative and scientific agencies, to intensify its inquiries into the cause.”
“The multi-agency investigation has recorded significant progress so far,” she added.
“Four suspects have been apprehended as persons of interest, and investigators are pursuing an additional individual believed to hold information relevant to the case.”
The development comes amid rising animal deaths reported at the park, with 15 elephants dying between June 24 and July 24.
This prompted KWS, security agencies, investigators, and scientific bodies to intensify investigations into what caused the deaths.
According to Miano, earlier indications suggested that the elephants could have died from cyanide poisoning after ingesting pesticide-contaminated tomatoes sourced from farms located near wildlife habitats.
However, the CS stressed that the findings are still subject to further scientific verification before the investigations can be concluded.
The investigation took a significant turn after a search in Tikondo, Kimana, within Loitoktok Sub-County, where authorities recovered assorted substances, including chemicals believed to have been sourced from a neighbouring country.
The recovered materials were reportedly toxic and unlabelled and have been secured for further scientific analysis.
“Although the investigations remain active, the arrest of persons of interest and the recovery of exhibits do not in themselves establish criminal culpability,” Miano said.
At the same time, the CS announced that the ministry was strengthening intelligence-led protection, surveillance, scientific investigations, law enforcement, and rapid response mechanisms in vulnerable wildlife areas.
ALSO READ:
- ODM Governor Threatens To Quit Party, Join Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi
- KWS Takes Action After Deaths of 18 Elephants in Amboseli, Arrests Four
- Fire Razes Down Several Homes In Marurui, Cause Yet To Be Confirmed
- TRAGIC! 12-Year-Old Boy Shot, Bullet Logged In Skull In Homa Bay Days After LM Chaos
- Former Prominent Judge, MPs Husband Dies After Short Illness
Authorities will also enhance monitoring of risks associated with the misuse, illegal application, trafficking, and careless handling of hazardous substances that could threaten wildlife, people, and ecosystems.
According to KWS, 16 of the elephants died within two weeks at different locations in the park, raising concerns over the cause, with the service launching investigations.
Initial reports from the authorities revealed that the deaths were linked to a possible toxic substance after 10 elephants displayed similar clinical signs before their deaths, including partial paralysis that left them unable to stand.
The affected elephants reportedly died within one to two days after developing the condition.
“Between 24th June and 24th July 2026, 15 elephant deaths were recorded in Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary and the Kuku Ranch area,” KWS stated.
“Of these, 10 elephants exhibited similar clinical signs, including partial paralysis that left them unable to stand before dying within one to two days.”
KWS Takes Action After Deaths of 18 Elephants in Amboseli, Arrests Four
