State orders screening of foreign nationals living in West Pokot over alleged cannibalism, organ trafficking
West Pokot County Commissioner Abdullahi Khalif said the vetting will be conducted across Kapenguria, Makutano and Bandera sub-counties, areas identified as key to the ongoing investigations.
The government has ordered fresh vetting of all Burundian, Rwandan, Congolese and Ugandan Wagisu nationals residing in West Pokot over allegations of cannibalism and illegal organ trafficking.
On Tuesday, the West Pokot County Security Committee said the decision followed security intelligence reports linking some of the foreigners to ritual practices and cross-border criminal networks.
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Speaking on behalf of the Committee, West Pokot County Commissioner Abdullahi Khalif said the vetting will be conducted across Kapenguria, Makutano and Bandera sub-counties, areas identified as key to the ongoing investigations.
“West Pokot County Security Committee today has directed all aliens who have been suspected of being involved in this heinous crime of cannibalism and harvesting of organs, to be vetted thoroughly,” Khalif said during a press briefing.
He reiterated Kenya’s support for the East African Community’s ideals of integration and free movement but warned that criminal activities would not be tolerated.
“We respect the spirit of the East African Community, but this is a serious threat to the public. All individuals, regardless of origin, will be held accountable for their actions,” Khalif said.
According to the County Commissioner, some of the suspects, who are believed to have killed and consumed at least eight children, had been living in makeshift shelters along a road reserve in Bandera. Khalif disclosed that the suspects had confessed to the crimes.
“I have directed that the road reserve be reclaimed, and we are going to flatten all those illegal structures immediately,” he said.
The revelations have stirred panic and outrage within the community, especially following a series of recent child disappearances that had already caused deep unease among residents.
On Monday, July 7, the Kitale High Court ordered the continued detention of the suspects for 21 days to allow police to complete investigations. However, the court also directed that no trial should begin until the ages of the accused are verified, as six of them are believed to be minors.
The multi-agency vetting exercise will involve immigration officials, local administrators, and security personnel. Authorities have called on the public to stay calm but remain alert and to report any unusual activity in their surroundings.
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