Top US conservationist found murdered in Kenya

By Magdalene Mukami

NAIROBI, Kenya

An American conservationist famed for exposing the international ivory trade was found murdered on Monday in a suburb of the Kenyan capital.

Police on Monday said that Esmond Bradley Martin, 75, was found stabbed multiple times in the neck after police responded to reports of “unusual activities” at his home.

Nairobi police chief Japheth Koome confirmed the incident, adding that an investigation is underway.

Paula Kahumbu, a Kenyan conservationist and the CEO of Wildlife Direct, said in a statement: “It is with deep shock and horror that we learn this morning of the death of longtime conservationist, Esmond Bradley Martin, whom police say died in suspicious circumstances at his home in Karen, Nairobi.”

She added: “Esmond led investigations into ivory and rhino horn trafficking around the world and was at the forefront of exposing the scale of ivory markets in the USA, Congo, Nigeria, Angola, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Laos and recently Myanmar.

“He always collaborated with Save the Elephants and worked with many of us, generously sharing his findings and views.”