Police in Makueni have detained 60 aliens, believed to be Ethiopians nationals, who were arrested on Friday at Kiboko in Makindu, Makueni County.
According to Makueni Police County Commander Joseph Ole Napeiyan, his officers assisted by National Government Administration officers (NGAO) intensified the search for aliens along Mombasa- Nairobi Highway and Kiboko town environs following a tip off from the public.
The county police commander said a group of 3, and 5 aliens were reported by the public on different occasions along Mombasa- Nairobi highway after they lacked identification documents.
“We have managed to arrest eight aliens in a village within Kiboko area. The 5 were reported by the public, after they found out they couldn’t express themselves either by speaking English or Swahili and also had no Identification documents,” said Napeiyan.
Speaking to K24 Digital, the police commander said foreigners brought to `book totals to 60 Ethiopian aliens arrested, allegedly being trafficked into the coast region.
Other 52 Aliens were arrested by Makindu Police acting on intelligence on Friday 17th September within Kiboko area, allegedly being ferried in a track that was intercepted being trafficked towards Mombasa.
“Through a tip off by public, police intercepted the track heading towards Mombasa and being driven by one Martin Ndunda an employee of MOT REX Co. Ltd Mombasa, on checking the MV they found a total of 28 Ethiopians who were being trafficked towards Mombasa Mariakani area,” explained Napeiyan.
Napeiyan added that while the Ethiopian aliens were being processed at Makindu Police station, officers learned of another group of 24 aliens rounded up at the same Kiboko center and moved to secure arrest.
He said that all the foreigners were tested of COVID-19 by the sub county medical officer Makindu and later taken to Makindu law court for plea, Friday afternoon for being unlawfully present in Kenya.
The Driver of the truck was also charged for engaging in smuggling of human contrary to Kenyan Citizenship and Immigration Act. 2011.
“The driver was given bond of half a million Kenya shillings Ksh.500, 000 which he failed to raise and was detained in remand custody,” said Napeiyan.
Also presented in court was the truck as exhibit.
All aliens were remanded waiting to be arraigned back to court on Monday the 21st September, after the court gets an interpreter to translate their court proceedings for them.
Napeiyan said the multi-agency Police team operation will continue, warning strangers against being in the country illegally.
