A man identified as Samuel Gitome from Nakuru County on 22nd November, 2018 arraigned in court and charged for being in possession of zebra meat contrary to the Wildlife Conservation Act. Appearing before Chief Magistrate Josephat Kalo, Mr. Gitome was charged for possession of zebra meat weighing 208 kilograms worth Ksh. 83,200 found on 21st November 2018 at Soysambu Ranch in Mabruk, Nakuru County.

The suspect was charged together with others who were not before the court but he denied the charges and pleaded to be released on reasonable bond terms claiming that he was framed in the matter. The other suspects managed to escape leaving behind two motorbikes and eight manila bags stashed with 208 kilograms of zebra meat which was believed to be ferried to butcheries in Gilgil and Nakuru towns and sold to unsuspecting customers as there is huge demand for meat during the festive season.

According to the court hearing, the man was found in possession of the meat by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers who were patrolling on a desnaring mission with Africa Network For Animal Welfare (ANAW) team, Project Abroad Volunteers and Soysambu Conversancy Rangers.

The accused was unable to produce documents permitting him to have game meat forcing the officers to make the arrest. The magistrate, in his ruling, released the accused on a Ksh. 1 million bond or an alternative cash bail of Ksh. 500,000 pending mention of the matter on Friday 30th November, 2018.