800 Kilograms of Game Meat Impounded at Nairobi's Burma Market

Officers from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) on Friday seized 800 kilograms of game meat in Nairobi.

The bushmeat was being sold as beef to unsuspecting customers at the popular Burma market in Nairobi's Eastlands area.

KWS said fifteen suspects were arrested for being in possession of game meat and selling uninspected meat.

The 800 kilos are believed to be gotten from two zebras that were poached at Olturoto in Kajiado County and Portland Farm next to Game Ranch in Athi River, Machakos County on Wednesday.

Officers also impounded a vehicle believed to have been used to commit the offense.

“The operation established that the suspects involved in bush meat poaching have also been involved in livestock theft in parts of Kajiado and Machakos Counties, implying that the poaching suspects are determined to get meat from whichever source to sell to unsuspecting customers,” KWS said.

The law states that anyone found selling or buying game meat be handed a jail term of not less than three years without an option of a fine.

Consumption of bushmeat exposes humans to diseases such as Ebola and Anthrax.