By Magdalene Mukami
NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) – Kenya torched 105 tons of illicit ivory on Saturday, claiming it to be the largest ever amount destroyed by any country in the world.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in the capital Nairobi set ablaze 10 pyres of ivory, which consisted of 16,000 elephant tusks and 343 rhino horns as well as products manufactured from endangered species of flora and fauna.
The ivory fire will burn for two weeks, which will be fed with 40,000 liters of diesel and kerosene.
In his remarks, Kenyatta said: “The last decade has witnessed a destruction of African elephants from poaching. Stability of our states is threatened by poaching.
“No one has any business trading in ivory because it means death to our elephants and our national heritage.”
Gabon President Ali Bongo said Kenyatta’s move will help put an end to poaching in Africa.
“Ivory trade must be stopped, elephants are an iconic species, which is a symbol of our national heritage,” Bongo said.
“We are determined to win the war against poaching, organized criminal gangs are perpetuating poaching and terrorists could be tapping into the proceeds,” he added.
