A middle-aged man has pleaded guilty before a Nanyuki court for being in possession of 30 kilograms zebra meat worth Ksh 9,000.
Gerald Nderitu Gaichihie appeared before the Nanyuki Chief Magistrate Jessie Nyagah where he faced two counts respectively.
Nderitu faced a count of being in possession of Government trophies and another one of failing to make a report of being in possession of the trophies contrary to section 41 (1) (b) of wildlife conservation management.
The charge sheet stipulated that on 14th September 2012 at around 2:30pm at Daiga area near Mukima within Laikipia County, was found in possession of Government trophy namely 30kgs of zebra meat with a street value of KES 9,000 without a certificate.
It further continued that at the same place and time, he failed to report on possession of the trophies.
The court heard that on that material day, Kenya Wildlife Service officers were on patrol at Daiga area where they were informed by members of public that Nderitu had killed the said zebra and that he had hidden the meat at his home.
The officers went to his home where they searched his house and found the zebra meat.
The court further heard that the zebra skin was retrieved and the accused taken to Nanyuki Police Station.
In mitigation, Nderitu pleaded for leniency adding that he found the animal dead and took the meat for his dogs.
While convicting him, Nyagah noted his mitigation and the fact that he is a first offender.
The chief magistrate deemed it right to fine him KES 10,000 or in default 3 months imprisonment.
Nderitu cleared the fine and was released.
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