Authorities in Tongaren Constituency, Bungoma County, have detained 44 Eritrean nationals after they were discovered living in a local residence in Miti Mbili Village. The group is currently being held at Brigadier Police Station as investigations continue.
According to local residents from Soysambu area, who requested anonymity, the Eritreans were reportedly transported into the area early in the morning aboard a military-style vehicle before settling in the village.
Confirming the incident, Soysambu Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Nginai stated that the individuals are in police custody while the Immigration Department verifies whether they possess valid entry documents.
Preliminary reports indicate that the Eritrean nationals claim to have fled their home country due to ongoing conflict, seeking safety and humanitarian protection in Kenya. They have appealed to the government to grant them asylum and temporary accommodation in refugee camps until conditions improve in Eritrea.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the group’s arrival or the identity of the local resident who provided them shelter, but investigations are ongoing to determine whether any human smuggling or trafficking networks were involved.
