Nyeri police, in collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), apprehended two male suspects on Sunday in a significant victory for wildlife conservation efforts.

These individuals were found in possession of a substantial amount of elephant ivory, weighing a total of 52 kilograms.

This illegal haul carries a market value estimated at Sh5.3 million.

The two suspects, identified as Gichohi, aged 45, and Wahome, aged 50, were taken into custody following a joint operation by the Nyeri Police and Kenya Wildlife Service.

Their arrest came because of diligent investigative work and a commitment to combating the illegal wildlife trade.

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Gichohi and Wahome are expected to face legal consequences for their actions and they will be arraigned in court on Wednesday on charges of possession of wildlife trophy, which is in violation of Section 93(4) of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act of 2013.

The duo may also face charges under section 92(2) of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act of 2013, which pertains to dealing in endangered wildlife species.

The confiscation of the 52 kilograms of elephant ivory marks a significant step towards curbing the rampant poaching and illegal trade in wildlife products that continues to pose a threat to Kenya's natural heritage.

Elephant ivory remains in high demand in certain markets, driving the illicit trade and endangering these majestic creatures.

This development also shows the authority's commitment to fighting poaching is on the right trajectory as it comes barely a week after a similar incident.

Last week, Serious Crimes Unit detectives arrested a man and recovered a significant haul of elephant tusks weighing over 110 kilograms in Laikipia County.