Two men appeared in a Nairobi court on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, charged with attempting to export thousands of live ants to China, a case that highlights a rising trend in wildlife trafficking involving lesser-known species.
Authorities said Chinese national Zhang Kequn, 27, was intercepted on March 10, 2026, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport while preparing to board a flight.
Security officers discovered over 2,200 live garden ants concealed in test tubes and wrapped in tissue.
Officials noted that Zhang had previously evaded arrest in Kenya in 2025, prompting a stop order on his passport.
The second defendant, Kenyan national Charles Mwangi, was arraigned on March 16, 2026.
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Prosecutors allege he supplied the ants to Zhang and linked him to a separate shipment seized in Bangkok on March 10, 2026, which originated from the port city of Mombasa.
Both men pleaded not guilty to charges including dealing in protected wildlife without permits.
The magistrate ordered them to remain in custody and set their next hearing for Friday, March 27, 2026.
Authorities said the case reflects a growing demand for rare ants among international collectors, with traffickers shifting focus from traditional wildlife targets to smaller species.
The incident highlights concerns about illegal trade in biological resources and its potential impact on Kenya’s biodiversity.