- Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Nairobi have uncovered a clandestine hideout in Mwihoko, where 37 individuals from Ethiopia were discovered, marking a startling development
- According to a police statement reviewed by this writer and documented under OB NO 09/20/02/24 at the Mwihoko police station, the operation was orchestrated by a multi-agency team headed by the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters, in collaboration with officers from the National Police Service (NPS) stationed in Githurai
- Responding swiftly, the authorities intervened and apprehended the individuals, suspected to be victims of human trafficking
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Nairobi have uncovered a hidden enclave in Mwihoko, where 37 individuals from Ethiopia were found in hiding in what is now a startling development.
The discovery has since then sent shockwaves through the area as authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding their presence.
According to a police statement seen by this writer and which was recorded under the OB NO 09/20/02/24 at the Mwihoko police station, the operation was led by a multi-agency team led by the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters, in conjunction with officers from the National Police Service (NPS) stationed in Githurai.
The team uncovered a significant trafficking operation in the Kizito-Mwihoko area of Kiambu County.
The operation, which took place today 20th of February 2024, saw law enforcement officers descend upon a residential area, Mwihoko Police Station, in response to reports of suspicious activities.
Upon arrival, officers were met with a startling scene: 37 individuals of Ethiopian nationality were discovered sleeping on the floor in a single house in the Kizito area of Mwihoko.
Acting swiftly, the authorities moved in and apprehended the individuals, believed to be victims of human trafficking.
As the investigation unfolded, attention turned to two men observed attempting to flee the scene.
It was soon revealed that the two individuals were police officers, identified as No. 254702 Pc Kenyata Ukur and No. 100599 Pc Griffin Ongeri, both armed and claiming to be conducting surveillance on the trafficking victims.
In a desperate bid to evade capture, the officers attempted to jump over a perimeter wall, resulting in injuries to their ankles.
Their identities confirmed, they were promptly taken into custody.
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Further complicating the situation, two additional police officers from the Starehe division, identified as No. 87746 Cpl Tonui Eric and No. 102360 Cpl Timothy Kiptoo, arrived at the scene in a motor vehicle bearing the registration number KCQ 085R, along with two additional aliens who were handcuffed.
The officers were armed and claimed to be transporting the detainees. Additionally, another vehicle, a Nissan with registration number KCH 785 X, belonging to one of the officers, was also found at the scene.
All vehicles were subsequently impounded at Mwihoko Police Station.
The discovery of police involvement in the trafficking operation sent shockwaves through the community and law enforcement agencies alike.
A manhunt was launched to apprehend both the hosts of the trafficking victims and the owner of the house where they were discovered.
Following their arrest, the four police officers were escorted to DCI headquarters by the TOCU team for further interrogation.
The case was classified as a priority under investigation (PUI), with TOCU taking the lead in unraveling the complexities of the trafficking ring.
