Suspected Sea Turtle Poacher Faces Charges in Malindi

A suspected poacher was brought before a Malindi court today, facing charges of illegally possessing a live sea turtle without proper authorization. Kazungu Mwavuo Ngala appeared before Malindi Resident Magistrate Grace Mutemi, where he pleaded not guilty to the allegations. Ngala, who claims to work as a bodaboda operator, asserted that he was merely transporting the sea turtle to an undisclosed location.

Magistrate Mutemi granted Ngala bail, setting the bond at Sh200,000 or alternatively, a cash bail of Sh100,000. The court scheduled the next mention of the case for September 12, 2024.

The prosecution revealed that Ngala was apprehended on September 1, 2024, around 5:30 PM in the Come Back area of Malindi Sub County. He was allegedly caught dealing with a live green turtle, which weighs approximately 6.5 kilograms. The turtle, identified by its carved carapace dimensions of 38 cm in width and 40 cm in length, was being transported using a motorcycle with registration number KMFF 614M.

In addition to the primary charge of illegal possession, Ngala faces accusations related to dealing in critically endangered wildlife without a permit, in violation of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2013.

Before the court session, Abigael Cate, the project manager for the Local Ocean Conservation Organization, informed journalists about the arrest. She explained that the suspect was apprehended following a tip-off from the public and that the turtle had been transported from Kipini in Tana River County. Cate expressed her intent to request the court to accept video and photographic evidence in place of bringing the endangered turtle to court, to avoid further stress to the animal.

Cate emphasized that the arrest and subsequent legal proceedings serve as a crucial deterrent to poachers, aiming to reinforce the protection of endangered species in Kenya.