A court in Nairobi has ordered a 10-day detention of two men suspected of involvement in the trafficking of rhino ivories with an estimated value of Sh10 million.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Law Courts Senior Principal Magistrate Njeri Thuku allowed Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) investigators to continue holding Feiswal Mohammed Ali (58) and Mohammed Hassan Kontoma (75) pending further investigations.
“The Court Orders the detention of Feiswal Mohammed Ali and Mohammed Hassan Kontoma for a further period of ten (10) days at Langata Police Station pending the completion of investigations into economic crimes and dealing in wildlife trophies (rhino horns).
Feiswal and Kontoma were accused of being critical members of a wildlife trafficking ring that smuggles illegal ivory consignments to super-rich clients.
During their detention at the Langata Police Station, detectives will conduct a forensic examination of their electronic gadgets, including phones.
“The matter will be mentioned on September 9, 2025, to confirm compliance and/or issue further instructions,” said Magistrate Thuku.
According to the prosecutors, led by Allen Mulama, the investigation was complex due to the cross-border nature of the crimes, and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) had been involved in the matter, hence the need for more time.
Additionally, the prosecution raised concerns over the need to preserve the integrity of the star witness, whom they said is known to the suspects, and noted that the Witness Protection Programme alone was insufficient, considering the gravity of the crimes.
However, the defence lawyer, Gathoni Ibrahim, argued that the grounds raised by the state were not enough to warrant the detention of her elderly clients, further urging the court to consider their health conditions.
“The Officer in Charge of Langata Police Station must ensure the respondents have reasonable access to medication and medical treatment as needed,” the Magistrate ordered.
