Irene Gichobi

Irene Gichobi is a judge presiding over cases in Nairobi, Kenya. She is currently newsworthy for her recent sentencing of Zhang Kequn, a Chinese national, to one year in prison and a fine of 1 million Kenyan shillings for attempting to smuggle thousands of live queen garden ants out of the country. Judge Gichobi described Zhang as lacking remorse and not being entirely honest. This case highlights the issue of illegal wildlife trade in East Africa, specifically the lucrative ant smuggling industry, where ants are often destined for the pet trade in China, the US, and Europe. Gichobi's sentencing underscores Kenya's efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and protect its biodiversity.