In yesterday's Star, we told you about the lords of poaching in Samburu. This is the second part of the investigation by Star writer KIBIWOTT KOROSS.
POACHERS in Samburu and Isiolo are often dressed in military attire allegedly sourced from the British Army training in the area.
Most of the poachers who are killed or arrested don military uniform which are sourced from the British Army at the Archers' Post military training ground, according to multiple sources. About 10,000 British soldiers visit Kenya every year for training.
Elephants, conservationists say, seem to recognise the green KWS jungle gear and often take anybody in such attire as a friend.
"Poachers wear military gear and elephants think they are KWS officers," said Daniel Leteiyo, a manager at Westgate conservancy in Samburu.
Elephants are amongst the world's most intelligent species. Scientists say the elephant's brain is similar to that of humans in terms of structure and complexity.
Those interviewed said the uniforms are bought from the soldiers or from their handlers who steal from them.
The source said when the officers from the British Army are broke, they sell their uniforms and ammunition at throwaway prices.
"They are sold very cheap. A full military gear can be exchanged for a crate of beer," said the source who is privy to the deals.
This was corroborated by Archers Post OCS George Naibei who said his officers have confiscated a number of military uniforms suspected to be from the British Army.
"There are many people with military uniform here and most of them are poachers and bandits," said Naibei. "From arrests made, the owners say they get them from the British Army."
The poachers also pass as scouts or rangers since the park is vast and unfenced.
Leteiyo says focus has been on cash flow at the gates thereby overshadowing security at the parks.
Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201301301373.html
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