Four Expected in JKIA Court Over Unusual Garden Ant Trafficking Case
In a bizarre turn of events in Kenya’s ongoing crackdown on wildlife crime, four individuals—three foreigners and one Kenyan—are expected to appear in court over the illegal trafficking of live garden ants.
The suspects, identified as two Belgian nationals, one Vietnamese national, and a Kenyan citizen, are set to be arraigned at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) court on April 14, 2025. They will face charges under Section 95(b) of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2013, which prohibits dealing in live wildlife species without proper authorization.
Authorities have not revealed the origin or intended destination of the ants, but the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) confirmed the suspects were intercepted with dozens of live garden ants. The incident marks a new dimension in wildlife trafficking, previously dominated by high-profile cases involving ivory and rhino horn.
“This case underscores the fact that wildlife crime is not limited to big game species. Even the smallest creatures play a vital role in our ecosystem and must be protected,” KWS officials stated.
This is not the first time Kenyan authorities have uncovered an attempt to smuggle insects through JKIA. In 2023, three suspects—Martin Nyota, Rose Wairimu, and Eunice Muthoni—were charged with attempting to export safari ants worth Sh300,000 to France. The insects had been falsely declared as handcrafted plastics and wooden jewelry.
Wairimu was additionally charged with concealing prohibited goods under the East Africa Community Customs Management Act 2004. The trio pleaded not guilty and were released on bail by JKIA Law Court Chief Magistrate Njoki Thuku.
The Kenya Wildlife Service has reiterated its commitment to protecting all forms of wildlife, including insects, which are often overlooked in conservation efforts. The agency, in collaboration with customs and law enforcement officers, continues to conduct intelligence-led operations at key entry and exit points to stem illegal trade.
“These cases send a strong message to traffickers that Kenya takes all wildlife crimes seriously, no matter how unconventional they may seem,” said a KWS spokesperson.
With the court hearing set, conservationists are closely watching the outcome, seeing it as a potential landmark in Kenya’s legal approach to lesser-known wildlife trafficking crimes.
As the suspects prepare to take their plea, the nation’s commitment to preserving biodiversity—down to the smallest species—continues to draw global attention.
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Four Expected in JKIA Court Over Unusual Garden Ant Trafficking Case