DPP secures arrest warrant of immigration officer in human-trafficking case

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has secured a warrant of arrest for an immigration officer alleged to have been involved in a human trafficking case.

According to a statement by the ODPP,  the warrant was issued after the officer failed to appear in court for plea taking.

The officer was scheduled to face charges over allegedly facilitating the unlawful exit of two Kenyan nationals for purposes of exploitation. 

"The accused was to be charged before the Kahawa Law Courts today under the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act, No. 8 of 2010," the statement said.

According to the ODPP, the victims were deceived with promises of employment in Thailand.

Authorities claim the officer acted in collusion with others who are not currently before the court.

"It is alleged that on 3rd October 2024 at JKIA, within Embakasi Sub-County, the officer, jointly with others not before court, trafficked the two by deceiving them with promises of employment in the Kingdom of Thailand," the ODPP said.

In addition to the trafficking-related charge, the officer faces a second count under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, No. 9 of 2009.

The charge alleges possession of funds suspected to be proceeds of crime.

The warrant of arrest was issued by Magistrate Gideon Kiage at the Kahawa Law Courts. The case is scheduled for mention on April 8, 2026.

The development comes a month after officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) intercepted two separate cases involving suspected human trafficking and immigration fraud, reinforcing Kenya’s ongoing efforts to curb organised crime and protect citizens seeking opportunities abroad.

According to a statement on X by the Kenya Police Service, in one case, a traveller attempting to fly to Europe was found in possession of a forged visa.

"In the first incident, he was arrested while en route to Amsterdam after being found with a forged Bosnia and Herzegovina visa," read the statement.

In a separate operation, another traveller heading to the United Kingdom was detained with a forged residence permit.

A local facilitator was also apprehended in connection with this case.

"Officers arrested a Sudanese national travelling to the UK, who was found in possession of a forged UK residence permit. His Kenyan facilitator was arrested alongside him," the statement added.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

Recent reports indicate a rising trend of Kenyans being targeted by fraudulent job offers abroad, often facilitated by intermediaries promising employment opportunities in Europe or the Middle East.

The ENACT project, funded by the European Union, notes that Kenya ranks second in Africa for human trafficking, following Nigeria. Other countries highlighted include South Africa, Libya, and Uganda.