Kenyan authorities have arrested 58 Ethiopian nationals in a human trafficking operation, with local police uncovering the group at a four-bedroom maisonette in the New Valley estate.
Kitengela Police Commander Joel Munyalo led a multi-agency operation involving the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) that resulted in the arrests. Police sources indicated the foreigners had been brought to the location three days earlier, apparently preparing to transit to South Africa.
Of the 58 individuals, 28 were detained at Kitengela Police Station, while the remaining 30 were transferred to Isinya Police Station. Authorities reported the migrants appeared weak and malnourished.
Two Kenyan nationals suspected of involvement in the human trafficking operation were also arrested and transferred to Muthaiga Police Station. They are expected to face charges related to human trafficking.
Isinya Police boss Patrick Manyasi confirmed the arrests came after a tip-off from local residents. “My officers found male adults of Ethiopian origin with no identification documents,” Manyasi told local media.
Police sources revealed that Ethiopian migrants frequently use the Moyale border route, attempting to reach South Africa or Middle Eastern countries in search of economic opportunities. Many are unaware of the significant risks associated with such journeys.
Local security expert Joseph Shitani expressed concern about the migrants’ ability to bypass numerous police roadblocks, questioning the effectiveness of current border control measures.
Manyasi appealed to the public to continue reporting suspicious activities, emphasizing the role of community policing in enhancing local security.
A motorcycle found on the property was seized as evidence, further supporting the ongoing investigation into the human trafficking operation.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges with cross-border migration and human trafficking in the region, with authorities continuing to monitor and intercept such movements.
standardmedia.co.ke
