3,361 Ants Seized from Chinese National at JKIA – Bought at Ksh100 Each

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has charged 37-year-old Chinese national Zhang Kequn and 35-year-old Kenyan Charles Mwangi for illegal possession and trafficking of 3,361 live ants. The suspects appeared at the JKIA Law Courts on March 17, 2026.

Court documents show that Kequn bought the ants from Mwangi at Ksh 100 per ant. Specific payments recorded include Ksh 60,000 for 600 ants and Ksh 70,000 for 700 ants.

Arrest and Seizure

Kequn was stopped at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport while trying to fly to China. Authorities discovered the ants—identified as Messor cephalotes, also known as Giant African Harvester Ants—hidden in test tubes, tissue rolls, and syringes inside his luggage.

Charges and Court Proceedings

Both Kequn and Mwangi denied the charges, which include wildlife trafficking and conspiracy to commit a felony. The ODPP opposed releasing Kequn on bond, saying he could flee since he was in Kenya on a tourist visa. The next court mention is set for March 27, 2026.

Market Value

These ants are highly sought after in the exotic pet trade across Europe and Asia. Locally, each ant cost Ksh 100, but on international markets, the price for a queen ant can reach between $132 and $260 (£170).