Three individuals have been charged with the illegal trade of aloe gum valued at Sh15 million after they were caught with the substance without the necessary permits. The accused, Adan Adaw Abdullah, Ahmed Yusuf Abdurahiman, and Chode Cheme Chode, were apprehended on April 13, 2025, at a roadblock on the Marsabit-Isiolo Highway in Samburu County. Authorities found the men in possession of 15 tons of aloe gum aboard a lorry, which was seized during the operation.
Aloe gum, a resin harvested from the aloe plant, is often used in the production of various products, including cosmetics and traditional medicines. However, its trade requires proper permits to ensure sustainable and legal harvesting practices. The three suspects, however, were found in violation of these regulations, leading to their charges.
The case was brought before Senior Principal Magistrate Njeri Thuku at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport courts. The prosecution, led by Counsel Paula Rono, presented evidence showing that the men were transporting a substantial quantity of aloe gum without valid documentation. The accused men denied the charges, pleading not guilty during the court proceedings.
Following the court appearance, the suspects were remanded in custody at the Industrial Area Prison as the court awaits a pre-bail report. The case is scheduled to be mentioned again on May 24, 2025. This development has brought attention to the growing issue of illegal trade in protected natural resources in Kenya, and the authorities have vowed to continue their efforts to clamp down on such activities.
In a separate legal matter, two students have been charged with cybercrime offenses related to fraud. Tony Blair Okello and Tyson Odhiambo Otieno were arrested for operating fake social media accounts impersonating high-ranking government officials. The two were found to be involved in a scheme designed to defraud unsuspecting victims by making them believe they were interacting with legitimate government representatives.
The two suspects were arrested in different locations Okello in Tuuti and Otieno in Namachanja, both areas in Bungoma County. Investigations revealed that Otieno, a tech-savvy individual, had been creating fake social media profiles, which he would then sell to others after providing training on how to operate the accounts for fraudulent purposes. One of the accounts was set up to impersonate Dr. Raymond Omollo, the Principal Secretary for Interior, with the goal of deceiving the public.
The charges against Okello and Otieno include cyber squatting under Section 28 of the Computer Misuse Act and conspiracy to commit a felony under Section 393 of the Penal Code. The two have pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail set at Sh35,000 each. The case is scheduled for a mention on April 28, 2025.
The rise in cybercrime, especially through the creation of fake social media profiles to deceive people, has become a growing concern. Investigations show that such cases are on the rise, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has established a special team to handle the increasing number of cybercrime reports. This case highlights the importance of vigilance in the digital age, especially as criminals use new technologies to exploit unsuspecting individuals.
The legal proceedings for both cases those related to the illegal aloe gum trade and the fraudulent social media accounts serve as a reminder of the importance of enforcing the law and protecting both natural resources and the public from digital deception.
