The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The government has launched a renewed vetting exercise targeting nationals from Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Uganda’s Wagisu community living in West Pokot County, following the arrest of 13 individuals linked to alleged cases of cannibalism and human organ harvesting.
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West Pokot County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi said the decision followed a county security committee meeting held after the suspects were apprehended.
“All foreign nationals from Burundi, Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda’s Wagisu community residing in Kapenguria, Makutano, and Bendera will undergo fresh vetting to determine their purpose and legality of stay,” Abdullahi stated during a Tuesday press briefing.
He emphasized that while Kenya remains committed to regional integration through the East African Community (EAC), national security cannot be compromised.
“We uphold free movement across the region, but given that all suspects are from the same community in Uganda, we must take firm action to understand their presence and activities here,” he said.
The County Commissioner revealed that the main suspects, who allegedly confessed to murdering and consuming human corpses, had been illegally occupying public land along a road reserve in Bendera. He ordered immediate repossession of the land and demolition of the structures the suspects had been living in.
“I have directed that all illegal structures on the road reserve in Bendera be flattened by the end of the day,” Abdullahi announced.
He also reported that security officers had prevented a planned mob attack by youths who intended to storm the Kapenguria Police Station to free the suspects and set the station ablaze.
Abdullahi issued a stern warning to political leaders accused of inciting the public to violence, stating that those found guilty would face prosecution.
“We’ve thwarted an attempt by a group of youths who wanted to attack the police station. Let me remind them — these are public facilities built with taxpayer money. Anyone planning to destroy them will be held accountable,” he said.
He assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that authorities have gathered strong evidence to prosecute the suspects. The court has already granted a 21-day detention period to allow for the completion of investigations.
