DCI Expose the Human Trafficking Syndicate At JKIA

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued a warning regarding the involvement of airport personnel in human smuggling activities at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). 

In a letter addressed to the Qatar Airways station manager and obtained by Look Up Digital, the intelligence agency disclosed that multiple individuals from various agencies are participating in the illicit trade, which entails smuggling people between countries via the international airport. 

The letter, dated September 6th, was signed by the commanding officer of the anti-terrorism unit at JKIA and was received by the Qatar Airways manager on Monday, September 11th.

The anti-terrorism unit officer expressed deep concern, stating, "This office has observed with great concern the smuggling of individuals in and out of the country through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport with the assistance of airport personnel, including personnel from the National Police Service, Kenya Airport Authority, airlines, and Immigration."

Furthermore, the officer revealed that the smuggled individuals were being transported to various counties, and the DCI warned of legal consequences for anyone found engaged in this reprehensible practice.

 "This serves as a warning to all the agencies mentioned to cease this activity. Legal action will be taken against anyone apprehended," cautioned the DCI.

This letter follows the emergence of an online video showing a Ugandan national attempting to board a flight to Canada at JKIA but being prevented from doing so. 

The video depicted a JKIA immigration official advising the frustrated traveller to return to Kampala and initiate his journey from there. 

The officer explained that a foreign traveller without a visa obtained from their country of departure would not be permitted to transit through Nairobi en route to Toronto.

"Why are you transiting through Kenya when you're not a resident here? You need to return to Uganda and start your journey from there. You can't use Kenya as a transit point to Canada," the officer emphasized. 

Furthermore, the officer explained that Kenyan citizens were also being barred from travelling to Toronto due to the challenges they faced upon arrival, often leading to their return or struggles to survive and return.

"We are preventing Kenyans from travelling to Canada because of the difficulties they encounter upon arrival. They either get sent back or face hardships, resorting to living on the streets and seeking ways to return," the airport staffer stated, compelling the traveller to seek alternatives.

The passenger had mentioned having a return ticket for January 2024, but the officer refused to accept it, citing official instructions not to permit foreigners to travel to Canada and other countries through Kenya.

 "It's official. We have a directive not to allow anyone from any other country to travel through Kenya to Canada. If we are restricting Kenyans, what about foreigners?" the officer questioned.

Ultimately, the Ugandan traveller had his cargo offloaded and was sent back to his home country to continue his journey from there. An immigration official, speaking to Look Up Digital, commended the colleague's decision to prevent the Ugandan from proceeding, emphasizing that Kenya was taking steps to prevent travellers from using the airport for fraudulent entry into Canada.