Tourism Expert Seeks High Court’s Help to Curb Wildlife Poaching
Today, High Court Judge Lady Justice Mumbi Ngugi, presided over the mention of a petition filed on 25th January 2013 by Mr. Kahindi Lekalhaile, an ecotourism expert and renowned conservation scientist, and others seeking redress for the rampant illegal killing of rhino and
elephants for the precious horns and ivory to trade in the lucrative local and international black markets.
Kahindi, represented by Lawyer N’Cruba Ojiambo of Ojiambo and Wadeyua Advocates, argues in his petition that wildlife poaching is a grave violation of constitutional and human rights in Kenya. The current wildlife poaching trend is a serious threat to tourism, and the livelihoods of many people and rural communities operating lucrative conservation enterprises in elephant rich areas of Kenya.
Since October 2012, at least 3 elephants inside and outside the wildlife national parks and reserves countrywide are killed daily for ivory. The tally includes the 12 elephants and 29 elephants poached in Tsavo and Samburu-Isiolo regions respectively, in December 2012 alone.
At least 5 rhinos, a globally-endangered species protected by Presidential decree and international law, have been poached in national parks and sanctuaries since the beginning of
this year.
It is now emerging that the rampant poaching is done by organized poaching rackets armed with sophisticated weapons and using complex networks. Kahindi also argues that the on-going response by Kenya Wildlife Service is too little, too late and unsustainable. He has named Kenya Wildlife Service and the Attorney General as respondents in the petition. Both respondents were present in court during the mention. Lady Justice Mumbi Ngugi urged all concerned parties to file their responses before the next mention scheduled for 11th March 2013.
For More Information please contact:
Kahindi Lekalhaile
ceo
Mobile: +254-0726 366 080/0732 815 683
Tel : +254-020 2574035
www.ecotourismkenya.org
