In huge news for animal rights activists, it was reported that Kenya has revealed a law that imposes the death penalty on poachers. The news broke to controversy; some condemn the idea while others welcome it with open arms.
But is there any truth to this news? Will it help, if it is true? What is the state of poaching in Kenya? What threats are being faced? Here’s everything you need to know about the death penalty law for poachers in Kenya.
KENYA REVEALS LAW THAT IMPOSES DEATH PENALTY FOR POACHERS
HOW POACHING THREATENS KENYA
Poaching has been a serious problem in Kenya for decades, dating back to colonial times. It has since led to gradually decreasing animal populations as well as numerous other issues.
For those relying on positive thinking to hope the poaching problem resolves itself, unfortunately, this issue runs much deeper and no longer only affects wildlife. Take a look at a few of the ways that poaching is a threat to Kenya.
ANIMALS
The current elephant population in Kenya sits at just 34,000, while black rhinos pitifully sit at less than 1,000 – a terrifyingly low number. Though the population has continued in its attempts to grow, poaching numbers have curbed progress. For example, the 69 elephants and 9 rhinos poached in 2017 canceled out any population increase.
There is some positive news, though. Elephant poaching has decreased by 78% since 2012 and 2013, and rhino poaching has also gone down by an impressive 85%. Unfortunately, if this trend does not continue, the animals in question will still be in danger of extinction.
Animal numbers are dwindling throughout Africa – not just in the nation of Kenya. In 2016, all elephants in Africa were totaled at around 352,271. Although it seems like a still-large number, seven years before that, there were many more. This figure is actually a 30% decrease.
ECONOMY AND TOURISM
Kenya’s economy is partially dependant on its tourism industry – as with every other country in the world. The repeated killing of elephants for the sake of the illegal ivory trade has escalated throughout the years, with eleven elephants slaughtered at once in the Tsavo National Park earlier this year.
With the numbers of elephants diminishing by tens of thousands, and even more animals dying out in large numbers, it’s no surprise that there is less appeal for travelers to visit the country. If elephants go extinct in the nation, a huge portion of Kenya’s wildlife-based tourism stands to suffer. The market is worth a shocking US$ five billion.
DANGERS OF WEAPONRY
Highly skilled wildlife protection units have been put in danger by poachers. These people bravely risk their lives to protect elephants and other wildlife. There is also the risk of the heavy arms that poachers use – such as guns, grenades, and other items – falling into the wrong hands and threatening national security.
THE DEATH PENALTY FOR POACHERS – FACT OR FICTION?
The news regarding this death penalty for poachers in Kenya began with a few websites that quickly caught wind among passionate animal rights activists – and with good reason! Unfortunately, though, this news doesn’t seem to be true. How did this confusion start?
All articles regarding this issue quote Najib Balala, who is Kenya’s Tourism Minister, and a speech he supposedly gave at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Laikipia County, Mount Kenya, during the official opening and launch event for commemorative stamps of the northern white rhino. This took place on the 10th of May in 2018.
There’s just one problem with this; Balala did not attend the event at all. Instead, his representative, Patrick Omondi, Kenya Wildlife Service biodiversity director, spoke on his behalf. He stated that he did not bring up anything regarding a death penalty, nor was there any mention of it during the event. He calls the spread of this news misinformation.
The news spread even further when respected publication The Independent picked up on it, but had not received any confirmation regarding the implementation of such a law from any Kenyan authorities. As of the time of writing, they still have not received confirmation.
Omondi states that there are absolutely no plans to introduce the death penalty in Kenya for any poachers, especially since Kenya has effectively stopped practicing the death penalty in all areas except written legislation.
However, Omondi does hope to tighten laws surrounding wildlife crimes, and he hopes that those who kill wildlife or are caught trafficking ivory can eventually be sentenced to life in prison.
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ARGUMENT
The news of a possible death penalty for poachers in Kenya was met by plenty of controversies. A bit of a stir awoke, as a result, causing many to chime in with their opinions and speak out about why they believe the death penalty is not suitable for this crime. Here are some of the counter-arguments.
CURRENT SHOOT TO KILL POLICY
In 1989, a legal policy was put in place to combat poaching. This law states that poachers are subjected to a shoot to kill policy. This means that if any authority with the right to enforce this law sees a poacher, they can shoot to kill that poacher on sight.
Unfortunately, this law hasn’t proven effective. This indicates that poachers are happily willing to put their lives on the line for their sport, so the death penalty may not serve to put an end to their activities.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Many people believe that the death penalty is dehumanizing. In the opinions of proponents for more humane criminal punishment, a death penalty undermines the dignity of a human being.
Some go as far as to say that the death penalty sets human rights progress back, as it insists upon a civilian ending the life of another. It takes someone else’s lives into the government’s hands.
There is also the issue of incorrect punishment, where an innocent person can be put to death if wrongly convicted. With the death penalty, there is no way to turn back time and right the wrong.
Past history also shows that the death penalty is often very randomly applied. As an example, less than 1% of people who commit homicides in America receive the death penalty. This means it is not a law that is enforced in a very effective or positive way.
KENYA’S LAWS
The death penalty remains a part of the laws of Kenya, but it has not been put to work in almost three decades. This is largely due to a shift in political and social ideals within the country on all levels.