Tanzanians arrested in Kenya on human trafficking claims
What you need to know:
- Reports say those held were “beggars,” some of them disabled people who were nabbed in the country’s town of Kitale.
Nairobi. Security officials in Kenya yesterday arrested seven Tanzanians in connection with human trafficking.
Reports say those held were “beggars,” some of them disabled people who were nabbed in the country’s town of Kitale.
The suspects were named as Rhonda Makhenzi, Paolo Amos, Mikael Charles, Emmanuel Masudi, Mbekeso Masunga, Mecha Mabundu and Pendo Njenzi, residents of Mwanza and Shinyanga regions.
Some of them were caught hiding in a lorry at Kitale town while others were found in a rented house at Laini Mjoja Street.
Trans Nzoia county Police Commander, Mr Samson ole Kine said those who were arrested did not have the right travel documents permitting them to enter Kenya and could not explain what they were doing in that country.
He said the suspects will be taken to court on charges of illegal entry into Kenya. Two weeks ago, other suspects from Tanzania were arrested in Eldoret town. They were fond begging.
“We were told that people in Eldoret are richer and more kind than those in our country,’’ said one of those who were arrested, Ms Maria Mapunda.
She was arrested by police, alongside others and taken to court in Eldoret on allegations of entering Kenya illegally.
There are unconfirmed reports about a cartel of rich people in Eldoret who use the beggars to do “illegal” business.
Those arrested have pleaded guilty and the court has ruled that they should be transported back to Tanzania.
Some of them have complained that they used a lot of money to travel to Kenya but police has termed their motive as illegal due to their connection with human trafficking.
