This archive report was first published on 3 September 2021.
September 2, 2021, marked a day of intense backlash against Kenya's ambassador to Namibia, Benjamin Lagat, after a photo of him posing with a dead antelope went viral on social media.
The photo, which shows Lagat standing next to the antelope's horns and resting a hunting rifle on the dead animal, has sparked heated reactions from conservation experts and netizens alike.
Despite Kenya banning game hunting in 1977 to conserve its wildlife, Lagat is alleged to have acquired a license for game hunting in Namibia, a country that allows the practice.
Conservationists across the globe have expressed concern that game hunting in Namibia has paved the way for rampant poaching of elephants and rhinos.
Journalist Karen Knaust – Karemi took to Twitter to express her outrage, stating, 'Even with the legal practice Namibia has on game hunting practice... for a Kenyan Ambassador Hon Benjamin Langat to participate. he violates his country policy and its commitment which Kenya leads in wildlife conservation and advocate for non consumptive practices. SHAME ON YOU.'
Ironically, just days before the photo surfaced, President Uhuru Kenyatta applauded Kenya's wildlife conservation agencies for their successful anti-poaching efforts.
Some Kenyans have called on the government to rethink Lagat's appointment, with one Twitter user stating, 'Meanwhile Kenya Ambassador for Namibia Benjamin Langat is a professional poacher. @ForeignOfficeKE he should be recalled.'
