Belgian nationals Lornoy David and Seppe Lodewijckx, Vietnamese citizen Duh Hung, and Kenyan national Dennis Ng’ang’a were convicted under Kenya’s Wildlife Conservation and Management Act for the illegal possession and attempted export of approximately 5,000 Messor cephalotes, commonly known as Garden Ants.
The insects valued at KSh 1.2 million (approx. USD 9,000) and were seized by authorities on April 23, 2025, at JKIA.
The suspects pleaded guilty to charges of trading in live wildlife without a permit. Senior Principal Magistrate Njeri Thuku sentenced each to a fine of KSh 1 million or 12 months in prison in default.
In a strongly worded ruling, Magistrate Thuku emphasised the importance of protecting all wildlife, regardless of size. Quoting Kenya’s 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.”
Authorities confirmed that the Belgian suspects had been held at the Anti-Terror Police Unit, while the Vietnamese and Kenyan nationals were detained at Lang’ata Prison.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) welcomed the verdict as a decisive move in the global war against wildlife trafficking.
“This case sends a clear message: Kenya will relentlessly pursue and prosecute anyone involved in the illegal wildlife trade, regardless of the species involved,” said KWS in a statement.
KWS stressed that smaller species like ants play a crucial role in soil regeneration and ecosystem health — functions often overlooked by traffickers.
Kenya has intensified its crackdown on wildlife trafficking, working closely with international agencies to monitor ports of entry and dismantle smuggling networks using advanced surveillance technology.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected wildlife crimes to KWS through its toll-free hotline 0800 597 000 or via email at communications@kws.go.ke.