Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the death of 18 elephants at the Amboseli National Park.

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This was confirmed by the tourism and wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano, who also announced a major milestone in investigations into the matter.

In a statement on Saturday, August 22, Miano said the four had been apprehended as persons of interest as a multi-agency team continues investigations into the deaths, with authorities also pursuing another individual believed to have information relevant to the case.

"The Government is deeply concerned by the reported deaths of 18 elephants within the Amboseli ecosystem. The first 15 deaths were recorded between June 24 and July 24 2026, prompting the Kenya Wildlife Service, in collaboration with security, investigative and scientific agencies, to intensify its inquiries into the cause.," Miano stated.

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"The multi-agency investigation has recorded significant progress so far. Four suspects have been apprehended as persons of interest, and investigators are pursuing an additional individual believed to hold information relevant to the case," she added.

The development comes amid rising animal deaths reported at the park, with 15 elephants dying between June 24 and July 24 , prompting KWS, security agencies, investigators, and scientific bodies to intensify investigations into what caused the deaths.

According to Miano, earlier indications suggested that the elephants could have died from cyanide poisoning after ingesting pesticide-contaminated tomatoes sourced from farms located near wildlife habitats.

However, the CS stressed that the findings are still subject to further scientific verification before the investigations can be concluded.

The investigation took a significant turn after a search in Tikondo, Kimana, within Loitoktok Sub-County, where authorities recovered assorted substances, including chemicals believed to have been sourced from a neighbouring country.

The recovered materials were reportedly toxic and unlabelled and have been secured for further scientific analysis.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke