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Police in Moyale, Marsabit County, have arrested a 33-year-old man suspected of playing a central role in a cross-border human trafficking network.
Authorities say the suspect had been under surveillance over claims that he lured vulnerable Kenyans with promises of jobs in Europe. He was apprehended on Wednesday while allegedly attempting to cross into Ethiopia through the porous Kenya–Ethiopia border.
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Investigators further link him to the recruitment of Kenyans to Russia, where some were reportedly enticed to join the ongoing war against Ukraine. However, several of those who travelled abroad allegedly ended up in unsafe and exploitative working conditions.
Police believe the suspect is part of a larger syndicate targeting job seekers desperate for opportunities overseas. Efforts are ongoing to track down other individuals connected to the network.
He remains in custody pending arraignment in court.
In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling trafficking rings through intelligence-driven operations and multi-agency cooperation, vowing to protect vulnerable citizens from exploitation.
Reports indicate that some Kenyans recruited into the conflict have died, while others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is expected to travel to Moscow to push for the repatriation of affected Kenyans.
A National Intelligence Service (NIS) brief presented to MPs on February 18 revealed that authorities had issued a stop order preventing the suspect from leaving the country due to his alleged involvement in recruiting Kenyans for the Russia-Ukraine war.
According to the dossier, the suspect’s company operated without a licence from the National Employment Authority and allegedly collaborated with contacts in Moscow to enlist at least 1,000 Kenyans to fight for Russia. He is also accused of organising travel, accommodation, and assisting recruits in opening bank accounts.
The promised signing bonuses, reportedly ranging between Sh910,000 and Sh1.2 million, are said to have attracted former police officers and military veterans.
Authorities have previously attempted to prosecute him over alleged job scams and unlawful recruitment for foreign military service.
