Authorities say many of the individuals appeared weak at the time of arrest.
In Machakos County, 56 individuals suspected to be of Ethiopian origin were detained on Friday in Githunguri for allegedly entering Kenya without proper documentation, police confirmed. According to Athi River East Subcounty Police Commander Anderson Mbae, the individuals lacked valid documents authorizing their presence in Kenya.
The arrest, logged at Muungano Police Station under OB NO: 20/25/10/2024, took place at approximately 5:00 p.m. The report followed a tip-off about a large group of people staying in a single residence. “Upon investigation, officers found and detained 56 individuals of Ethiopian origin,” Mbae stated, adding that all detainees are male and that language barriers have made it challenging to establish their ages.
Details of the Operation
Commander Mbae disclosed that the detainees appeared physically weak during the arrest, and their limited knowledge of English posed further communication challenges. The detainees reportedly claimed that a woman from Ethiopia, who was not present at the time of the arrest, was responsible for bringing them into the country.
A male caretaker, aged 24, was taken into custody at the property and is currently assisting with the ongoing investigation. The 56 detainees are now held at Mavoko SNP Police Station in Athi River, where they await further questioning with the assistance of an interpreter. They are scheduled for arraignment at the Mavoko Law Courts on October 28 on charges related to illegal entry.
Community Urged to Report Suspicious Activity
Commander Mbae urged the public to stay vigilant and report any unusual gatherings or suspicious activities. “A group of 56 is hard to miss,” Mbae noted, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in maintaining security and aiding law enforcement.
This incident serves as a reminder for residents to stay observant and engage with law enforcement whenever they encounter unusual circumstances in their neighborhoods.
