Detectives drawn from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested three suspects and rescued 18 victims of human trafficking who were to be reportedly sold as slaves in the gulf states,
In a statement released on Wednesday, September 7, DCI stated that the 18 victims were hosted at a house in Athi River, Machakos County.
A Transnational Organized Crimes Unit conducted the raid at the warehouse in Athi River on Tuesday, September 6 and apprehended the suspects after a tip-off.
“Last evening, the 18 were about to be shipped out of the country when the hawk-eyed detectives arrived and rescued them, following Intelligence leads.
“The rescue of the victims and subsequent arrest of the suspects comes in the wake of increased cases of mistreatment of migrant workers in the gulf,” DCI announced.
It further warned jobseekers to be wary of unscrupulous employment agents who are not recognized by the government.
“These individuals end up sneaking out immigrants without proper documentation. The trio are currently in custody at Muthaiga Police Station being processed for arraignment.
“Meanwhile, the rescued victims are in protective custody as detectives continue with their documentation,” DCI added.
The raid comes after a recent public outcry of Kenyans being mistreated in the Gulf when they sought employment.
In a recent incident, Diana Chepkemoi was rescued after the public pressured the government to intervene in her saddening case.
Viral photos of an emaciated Chepkemoi prompted Kenyans to force the government’s intervention after she was held against her will by her employer in Saudi Arabia.
