Ethiopian nationals arrested from house in Kitengela

Police in Kitengela, Kajiado county arrested more than thirty aliens of Ethiopian origin suspected to be on transit to South Africa. The aliens were arrested at Acacia area near Kitengela town after a tip-off. [Peterson Githaiga, Standard]

Police in Kitengela have arrested more than thirty Ethiopian nationals suspected to be in transit to South Africa.

The aliens were arrested within Acacia area following a tip-off from residents concerned about suspicious activities in one of the homes.

Isinya Police boss Patrick Manyasi told The Standard that his officers got a tip from residents who were suspicious of what was happening in the residential house where they were kept.

''When our officers rushed to the said residential place, they found male adults of Ethiopian origin with no identification documents while others had earlier been detained by members of public at a nearby petrol station,'' said Isinya Sub County Police Commander (SCPC) Patrick Manyasi.

According to the police chief, the foreigners could not explain how they came to the country due to communication barrier. They had no traveling documents that could show where they were headed.

"We are therefore investigating the incident suspected to be human traffic,'' said Manyasi who encouraged members of the public to share such information without delay noting it helps beef up security.

James Muchina, a resident, told journalists that the aliens are suspected to have been brought to the house a week ago, and they have been living in the same house at Baraka Estate.

''The aliens have been found in the country illegally as they lacked valid documents. We thank the officers for moving in with speed and arresting them,'' said Muchina.

He urged the police to treat all information given by members of the public with confidence. The suspects are being held at the Kitengela Police Station and will be arraigned in court on Monday as the owner of the house is sought.