Kenyans have been angered and are demanding action after a photo emerged showing Kenya's Ambassador to Namibia Benjamin Langat posing with a dead wild animal while carrying a rifle.
Langat, who is a former Kenyan Member of Parliament (MP), is captured in the photo smiling while holding the horn of what seems to a hunted and killed Greater Kudu while in Namibia.
The photo went viral on social media on Monday and has raised questions on the actions of the envoy representing Kenya, which has a strong position and laws against wildlife poaching.
Angry Kenyans have demanded the recalling of the ambassador accusing him of going against the position of Kenya, which banned sport hunting back in 1977 due to dwindling population.
“Even with the legal practice Namibia has on game hunting practice, for a Kenyan Ambassador Hon. Benjamin Langat to participate, he violates his country policy and its commitment which Kenya leads in wildlife conservation and advocate for non Consumptive practices. Shame on you!," posted journalist Karimi Karen on Twitter.
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"You would think Amb Benjamin Langat has done everything that is there to be done to promote bilateral economic, political and social interests to engage in hunting,” said The Star sub-editor Eliud Kibii.
However, Namibia still permits the killing of wild animals for sport, something which is very popular especially with the white population and tourists.
One is allowed to go game hunting for license going for about Sh700 but a limitation is placed on the number of wild animals allowed per hunter in an enclosed commercial farm.
The limitations during the huntin season are as follows;
• A total of 3 large game animals; or
• A total of 2 large game and 4 small game animals; or
• A total of 1 large game and 8 small game animals; or
• A total of 12 small game animals.
• No person shall hunt more than 1 kudu during the hunting season.
Langat served as the MP for Ainamoi Constituency from 2008 to 2017 when he was kicked out by current lawmaker Sylvanus Maritim paving way for his ambassadorial appointment.
The photo emerged a day after President Uhuru Kenyatta praised Ministry of Tourism and local wildlife conservationists for their efforts to tame poaching and protect endangered species.
“The reduction in losses in terms of elephants, rhinos and other endangered species is because of the great work that KWS, its officers, and men are doing to ensure that the (wildlife) heritage is protected.
“(Wildlife) is our heritage, this is our children’s legacy and it is important for us to be able to know what we have in order to be better informed on policy and also on actions needed as we move forward. And it being a national heritage, it is something we should carry with pride,” Uhuru said.
Poaching and killing wild animals attracts a fine of Sh3 million or 10 years in jail in Kenya.