Hundreds of Kenyan nationals stranded in Cambodia have turned to the courts in Nairobi, filing a petition that asks judges to compel the government to secure their return. The group describes their ordeal as human trafficking disguised as overseas employment.
The Petition
According to filings at the High Court, the petitioners say they were lured to Southeast Asia with promises of legitimate jobs, only to find themselves confined in a heavily guarded compound. The site was reportedly surrounded by high walls and barbed wire, with movement tightly controlled.
They allege they were forced to work up to 16 hours a day under strict targets, facing physical abuse and untreated injuries, including stab wounds. While the exact nature of the work remains unclear, authorities in Cambodia have recently dismantled facilities linked to online fraud networks operating across the region.
Conditions After Raid
The situation shifted after local security forces raided the premises, prompting those running the operation to flee. The Kenyans say they were left behind, now sheltering in difficult conditions without adequate food, medical care, or the means to leave the country.
Legal Demands
Their petition asks the court to order Kenya’s foreign affairs ministry and other state agencies to intervene urgently by providing consular assistance, issuing temporary travel documents, and arranging evacuation flights. The group argues that the state has a constitutional obligation to protect citizens from exploitation, even abroad.
They also note that Cambodian authorities have instructed them to exit the country by February 28, warning of legal consequences, including possible detention, if they fail to comply. Many say they cannot afford the cost of returning home on their own.
Official Responses
Kenya’s foreign ministry said it had not yet been briefed on the matter, while Cambodian officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Judges in Nairobi are expected to consider the case on Tuesday, as pressure grows for a coordinated response to what lawyers describe as a cross-border trafficking crisis.
Conclusion
The case underscores the growing risks of human trafficking networks in Southeast Asia and the urgent need for stronger protections for migrant workers. As the High Court deliberates, the fate of hundreds of Kenyans stranded in Cambodia hangs in the balance.
