Story highlights Kenya is destroying more than $172 million worth of illegal elephant tusks and rhino horn

It's the largest destruction of its kind in history

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta: Ivory trade "has resulted in a massacre in the rainforest of Africa"

Nairobi National Park, Kenya (CNN) Twelve ivory towers burned in Kenya on Saturday, sending thick plumes of ash and smoke over Nairobi National Park as elephant and rhino tusks smoldered.

A rainy Saturday afternoon brought together heads of state from several African nations and hundreds of onlookers to watch Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta set fire to over $172 million worth of illicit wildlife goods.

A somber mood took over the crowd as the event began. They listened to the gust of wind feeding the flames, and the crackle of burning ivory, rhino horn and other items. Bright red embers bloomed inside the 10-foot high by 20-foot wide pyres, turning the coveted white ivory tusks to nothing more than charred animal remains.

This was the most significant demonstration against poaching in the region and the largest burn of illegal wildlife products in history.