Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has welcomed the conviction of four individuals, three foreign nationals and one Kenyan, in what it termed a landmark case of illegal trafficking involving live wildlife.
The four were arrested on April 23, 2025, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) while attempting to smuggle approximately 5,000 live Messor cephalotes (garden ants) without permits.
The ants, valued at Ksh1.2 million, were destined for export in violation of Kenyan wildlife laws.
Those convicted include Belgian nationals Lornoy David and Seppe Lodewijckx, Vietnamese national Duh Hung, and Kenyan Dennis Ng’ang’a.
All four pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession and trade of live wildlife species.
Senior Principal Magistrate Njeri Thuku, sitting at the JKIA Law Courts, sentenced each of the accused to a fine of Ksh1 million or, in default, 12 months’ imprisonment.
In her ruling, Magistrate Thuku emphasised the importance of protecting all wildlife, regardless of size or perceived value.
Quoting a line from the national anthem – “Nchi yetu ya Kenya, tuwe tayari kuilinda” (Our nation Kenya, let us be steadfast to protect her) – she stated, “No species is too small to protect. Our wildlife, from ants to elephants, sustains our ecosystems and national heritage.”
In a public statement on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, following the ruling, KWS commended the verdict, noting that it underscores Kenya’s commitment to addressing wildlife trafficking across all species.
The agency reaffirmed its ongoing efforts to strengthen surveillance at borders and improve enforcement in partnership with local and international partners.
“This landmark case highlights the country’s commitment to disrupting trafficking networks, regardless of the species involved,” the statement read.
KWS further urged members of the public to report any suspicious wildlife activity through its toll-free hotline: 0800 597 000.
The Messor cephalotes species, commonly known as garden ants, play an important ecological role in soil health and biodiversity. The trafficking of such species without permits is prohibited under Kenya’s conservation and wildlife regulations.
Martin Oduor
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