By Nyang’au Araka
A Nairobi magistrate has granted the state a ten-day extension to detain two suspects at the center of a high-profile rhino horn trafficking investigation.
Senior Principal Magistrate Njeri Thuku, allowed authorities to continue holding Feiswal Mohammed Ali, 58, and Mohammed Hassan Kontoma, 75, while conducting forensic examinations of electronic devices seized during their arrest.
The suspects are believed to be key players in a sophisticated international trafficking network.
During a tense hearing, Prosecutor Allen Mulama argued that the two men pose a serious flight risk and are under investigation for economic crimes that may lead to charges under the Proceeds of Crime and Money Laundering Act.
He revealed that the state is working closely with INTERPOL and other international agencies, and emphasized the urgency of protecting a star witness whose safety cannot be guaranteed by the Witness Protection Program alone.
Defense counsel Gathoni Ibrahim challenged the state’s application, asserting that the prosecution had failed to present compelling reasons for continued detention.
Mounting the defense
She pointed out that Feiswal’s previous conviction for ivory trafficking—originally a 20-year sentence—was overturned by the High Court in 2018.
Citing legal precedent from the 2020 case of Sudi Oscar Kipchumba v Republic, Ibrahim argued that the suspects had not been formally charged and should be released, especially given their age and medical conditions.
In her ruling, Magistrate Thuku acknowledged that the suspects are yet to be charged but emphasized the gravity of the alleged offenses.
“For the alleged rhino horn to be away from the rhino, means that a rhino died,” she said.
“The supposed weight and value are an indicator that not anyone can make a demand for a rhino horn. This requires someone ultra-rich with a fetish for wildlife trophy.”
The court ordered that the suspects remain in custody at Langata Police Station for ten more days, during which investigators will conduct forensic analysis of their electronic devices.
The magistrate also directed that the suspects be given reasonable access to medication and medical treatment.
The case will be mentioned again on September 9, 2025, to confirm compliance and determine next steps.
Reactions
Reacting to the court’s decision, Kenya Wildlife Service Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga praised the joint operation that led to the arrests.
“The arrest and arraignment of Feiswal Mohammed Ali and his accomplice once again demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to the fight against wildlife crime,” he said.
“We will continue to pursue traffickers relentlessly, no matter how long it takes, to safeguard our iconic species and protect Kenya’s heritage for future generations.”
The investigation, led by KWS with support from international partners, is part of a broader crackdown on wildlife trafficking networks that threaten Kenya’s critically endangered species.
Expensive that gold
Rhino horn is one of the most valuable illicit wildlife commodities in the world, according to information available online.
Some sources indicate that on the black market, prices can range from Ksh2.6 million to Ksh8.4 million per kilogram, depending on origin, demand, and destination.
Asian rhino horn tends to fetch higher prices, reportedly reaching up to Ksh52 million per kilogram in some cases, according to sources.
This staggering value, often exceeding that of gold, platinum, or cocaine has fueled relentless poaching, especially in countries like South Africa and Kenya.