Four Nabbed for Smuggling Garden Ants Through JKIA
Four suspects, including three foreign nationals, are expected to be arraigned before the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Law Court over allegations of trafficking live garden ants.
According to authorities, the accused comprise two Belgian nationals, a Vietnamese national, and a Kenyan citizen. They are facing charges related to the illegal possession and attempted smuggling of dozens of live garden ants, in a case that signals Kenya’s intensified efforts to clamp down on unconventional wildlife crimes.
Officials from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) confirmed that the suspects will take a plea on April 14, 2025. They are charged with dealing in live wildlife species, contrary to Section 95(b) of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013.
While details regarding the origin and intended destination of the ants remain unclear, the KWS indicated that the individuals had been processed in accordance with legal procedures and were slated for court appearance.
This case adds to a growing list of similar incidents as authorities continue to address emerging threats in the illegal wildlife trade.
In 2023, three individuals—Martin Nyota, Rose Wairimu, and Eunice Muthoni—were charged with the illegal exportation of safari ants valued at KSh300,000. The trio was accused of dealing in live wildlife species at JKIA between June 2 and 19, 2023, without the required permits.
Ms. Wairimu faced an additional charge of concealing prohibited goods, contrary to Section 200 of the East African Community Customs Management Act, 2004. Investigators alleged that the suspects mis-declared the shipment—purportedly handcrafted plastics and wooden jewelry—which in fact contained live ants bound for France.
The accused denied all charges and were released on cash bail of KSh100,000 and KSh50,000, respectively, by JKIA Law Court Chief Magistrate Njoki Thuku.
Speaking on the latest developments, KWS officials reiterated the agency’s commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws and tackling the trafficking of both iconic and lesser-known species.
“The fight against wildlife trafficking extends beyond elephants and rhinos,” said a KWS spokesperson. “It includes the protection of smaller, often overlooked species that play a vital role in ecosystems.”
The suspects remain in custody pending their arraignment.
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Four Nabbed for Smuggling Garden Ants Through JKIA
