On Thursday, police arrested 19 Ethiopian nationals found hiding in Joska, Machakos County. The individuals were discovered at a residence in Waswa village, Muthwani, Athi River South subcounty.
The suspects, aged between 16 and 29, were reportedly en route to South Africa in search of better job opportunities. During the operation, two local residents—72-year-old Mohammed Noor-Burji and 33-year-old Nasibo Mohammed Noor-Burji—who were hosting the Ethiopians, were also detained.
Police had received a tip-off about the suspects’ presence. They are currently being questioned to uncover more details about their movement. The detainees lack proper documentation for their stay in Kenya.
The incident has been reported to the Joska police station as a case of human trafficking. Police have indicated that the suspects will be charged with trafficking in persons under Section 3(1)(d) and Section 3(5) of the Counter Trafficking in Persons Act No 8 of 2010, as well as being unlawfully present in the country under Section 53(2) of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act 2011.
