A Chinese national and a Kenyan man have been charged with illegal dealing in live wildlife species after authorities intercepted thousands of ants allegedly being traded without permits.
Zhang Kequn, 37, and Charles Mwangi, 35, appeared before the JKIA Law Courts in Nairobi on Tuesday, where they faced charges of dealing in live wildlife species and conspiracy to commit a felony.
Details of the Arrest
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the suspects were arrested on March 10, 2026, while in possession of 1,948 garden ants packed in specialised tubes and an additional 300 live ants concealed in tissue rolls.
Prosecution counsel told the court that the accused did not have the required permits to handle or trade in the species, in violation of Kenya’s wildlife protection laws.
Mwangi faces an additional charge linked to a second incident on March 13 in Gilgil, where he was allegedly found with 1,000 live ants in a basin, 113 ants stored in specialised syringes, and 503 empty syringes, all without authorisation.
Alleged Illegal Trade Scheme
The court heard that the two men conspired between March 10 and March 13 to engage in the illegal trade. Investigations indicate that Kequn allegedly purchased the ants from Mwangi at a rate of Ksh.100 per ant, paying Ksh.60,000 for 600 ants and Ksh.70,000 for an additional 700 ants.
Both accused persons denied the charges before Senior Principal Magistrate Irene Gichobi.
Bond Application Contested
The prosecution opposed granting bond to Kequn, citing him as a flight risk. The court was told that he entered Kenya on February 27, 2026, on a tourist visa and does not have a fixed place of residence in the country.
The case is scheduled for mention on March 27, 2026.
Growing Focus on Wildlife Crime
The case highlights increasing scrutiny by Kenyan authorities on illegal wildlife trade, including lesser-known species such as insects, which are often trafficked for collectors or research markets. Officials have reiterated the need for strict compliance with wildlife regulations to curb biodiversity loss and protect ecosystems.
