Ten Eritreans arrested in Laikipia while being smuggled to South Africa

Ten Eritreans who were arrested in Sipili, Laikipia West for being in the country illegally are being held at Rumuruti Police Station awaiting arraignment. [James Munyeki, Standard] 

At least ten Eritreans were on Wednesday arrested in Sipili, Laikipia West for being in the country illegally.

The illegal aliens, who were in the company of a local police officer, were headed for South Africa for greener pastures when they were found hiding in the bush.

Members of the public who spotted them reported their presence to Sipili Police Station leading to the arrests.

According to Laikipia West Police boss Francis Nga’ng’a, the police officer based at Ol Moran Police Station is believed to be their link-man.

“The police officer and another former police officer who were in the company of the aliens are in our custody. We believe the two were their ‘connect’ in the country,” Ng’ang’a said.

The suspects are being held at Rumuruti Police Station awaiting arraignment. It was suspected the aliens arrived in the country on Tuesday.

Ng’ang’a said the suspected attempted to escape from law enforcement officers but they were caught.

“A driver of a vehicle they were using managed to escape in another vehicle and we have launched a manhunt for him,” he said.