Kenya's farm workers arrested for killing 7 zebras

Kenyan wildlife rangers on Sunday arrested eight farm workers suspected of hacking to death seven zebras near Rift Valley town of Naivasha located northwest of the capital, Nairobi.

The laborers are alleged to have killed the Zebras for invading a private farm along Nairobi-Nakuru highway.

Officials from the Kenyan wildlife agency said the suspects will be arraigned in court to answer charges of terminating life of a protected herbivore.

Hapicha Ellema, the Officer in Charge of Hells Gate National Park said farm managers and workers will be prosecuted for their involvement in the death of seven zebras.

"The farm management is alleged to have mobilized workers to kill the zebras and other smaller herbivores that escaped with injuries. They are liable for punishment under the wildlife act," Ellema told reporters.

She added that the farm workers attacked zebras, impalas and gazelles using crude weapons.

"Any grievous bodily harm to a wild animal is considered a heinous crime by the newly enacted wildlife bill. So the farm workers who killed zebras must face the law," said Ellema.

She revealed that wildlife rangers have intensified the hunt for criminals involved in illegal trade in game meat that is rampant in Rift Valley towns and Nairobi.

Source: Xinhua