Two men appear in Nairobi court charged with illegally trading in ants

Charges Filed for Illegal Wildlife Trade

A Chinese national, Zhang Kequn, aged 37, and his Kenyan co-accused, Charles Mwangi, have been charged in a Nairobi court for illegal trade in live ants. The charges were presented at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Law Courts before Senior Principal Magistrate Irene Gichobi. Both individuals have denied allegations of unlawful dealing in wildlife species and conspiracy to commit a felony.

The prosecution reports that the arrest occurred on March 10, 2026, when the accused were found with 1,948 garden ants stored in specialized tubes and an additional 300 ants concealed in tissue rolls. The authorities claim that the accused lacked the necessary permits as required under Kenya's wildlife conservation laws.

It is alleged that between March 10 and March 13, the two conspired to engage in illegal trade. The prosecution asserts that Kequn obtained the ants from Mwangi, paying Sh60,000 ($462) for an initial batch of 600 ants and Sh70,000 ($540) for another 700 ants, pricing each ant at Sh100 ($0.78).

David Lusweti, the lawyer representing Kequn, confirmed that both accused have pleaded not guilty. The prosecution intends to present evidence and witnesses during the full hearing. During the bail hearing, the Director of Public Prosecutions opposed releasing Kequn on bond, citing his status as a flight risk. Kequn had entered Kenya on a tourist visa on February 27, 2026, and reportedly lacks a fixed residence within the country.

The court directed that both accused remain in custody pending the determination of bail and bond terms. Meanwhile, Mwangi faces an additional charge for possession of more live ants on March 13 in Gilgil town. This included 1,000 ants in a pink basin, 113 ants hidden in syringes, and 503 empty syringes reportedly prepared for packaging and transport.

Based on reporting by Africanews.