Kenyan court frees alleged ivory kingpin on bail

A Kenyan court on Wednesday released Feisal Mohammed Ali, a businessman accused of illegal trafficking in ivory and other game trophies, on 110,000 U. S. dollar bond.

Mombasa Senior Principal Magistrate Justus Kituku granted Ali the bond on medical ground to enable him to access medication, saying the government had failed to offer the accused specialized treatment that he requires while in custody.

"Guarded by the medical reports presented before the court, the court is convinced the accused is a sick man who requires specialized treatment. I hereby release the accused on bond," Kituku ruled.

Ali is accused of being the mastermind behind slaughter of thousands of elephants in the East African nation where poaching is rampant that has led to decline in the number of wildlife.

His arrest came after Interpol issued a red notice alert -- similar to an international arrest warrant -- on Oct. 15, 2014, seeking arrest of the 47-year-old for alleged engaging in wildlife trophies trade in the country.

The warrant was issued in connection with the seizure of 228 tusks and 74 ivory pieces weighing well over two tonnes at a motor vehicle warehouse in Mombasa. After the seizure, two men were arrested, but Ali, who is believed to be the ringleader, escaped arrest.

While making his ruling, Kituku said Ali has constitutional right under bill of right to access medication pending hearing and determination of his case.

The court ordered Ali to deposit his travel documents at the criminal investigation offices in Mombasa where he will be reporting every Thursday. Endi