Kenya’s Wildlife Protectors

On Saturday 30th April 2016, President Uhuru Kenyatta will be joined by other Presidents and Wildlife Conservationists in sending the loudest smoke signal on wildlife: it is #WorthMoreAlive

On Wednesday 27th April, Joe, Sarah, Paul and I received invitations from the US Embassy in Nairobi to see part of the 105 tons of ivory and 1 ton of rhino horn that will be set ablaze at the Nairobi National Park.

Arriving at the site, what struck me most was the sheer volume of the ivory.

I was privileged to take a ride in the KWS chopper to see it from the air.

It is estimated that the ivory represents 10,699 elephants that could have brought in 17 billion dollars in tourism revenue. Sadly, these elephants are no more.

Guarding the ivory and rhino horn are patriots from Kenya Wildlife Service. Men and women who have vowed to protect Kenya’s heritage for the benefit of our country and future generations. It is a dangerous job that has seen many lose their lives in the line of duty.

I got chatting with those standing on guard at the ivory burning site. They were kind enough to allow me to take their photos.

Captain Ibrahim Ogle, OGW

Mwendwa Musyoka.

Anthony Githinji.

Abduba Mohammed and Captain Ibrahim Ogle, OGW.

KWS Director General Kitili Mbathi with pupils who visited the ivory burning site.

Kitili Mbathi.

Mwendwa Musyoka, Kitili Mbathi, Nambatu Chogo and Patrick Kyalo.

More than just tusks and horns will be set ablaze on Saturday. There’s also animal skins and artefacts made using ivory.

Kipkemoi Silvester.

Joseph Karanja.

Corporal Peninah Wanjiku.

After we were done with the shots, we took some of ourselves spreading the clarion call.

Thanks Joe Were for this photo of me an Jonathan Scott.

Share your thoughts on the ivory burn in the comments section below.

Thanks.