Some of the rescued individuals at the Short-term rental in Athi River, Machakos./George Owiti
More than 20 men believed to be victims of a human trafficking syndicate have been rescued in Athi River, Machakos County, in a sting operation mounted by the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) on Wednesday night.
At least two suspects were arrested during the raid.
The suspects are believed to be part of a network that lures unsuspecting Kenyans with promises of lucrative job opportunities abroad, only to extort money from them for travel arrangements.
Detectives said the victims were lured into paying large sums in exchange for travel to foreign countries, with some allegedly set to be recruited as soldiers in Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The victims and their alleged hosts were found in three apartments converted into some short-term rentals on the outskirts of Athi River township.
About six men were rescued from the first house, four from the second, and the rest from the third.
The Star exclusively witnessed the operation, which began at 7 pm and continued past midnight. A physical headcount by reporters confirmed 25 victims, though detectives suggested the number could be higher.
Some of the rescued individuals at the Short-term rental in Athi River, Machakos./George Owiti
Police said the operation was conducted just hours before some of the victims were due to travel.
“Some of them had ready travelling documents that included passports and visas when they were rescued,” an officer told the Star. Their phones were also confiscated to aid in investigations.
The developer of the apartments distanced itself from the matter.
“We have no clue what had transpired. The apartments’ developer has no control over the said houses. They were long sold out to individuals,” an official said by phone on Thursday.
A source told the Star that some of the rescued men could be ex-police and soldiers, though the majority were civilians from various parts of Kenya.
Several of the men narrated how they had paid agents to secure jobs abroad.
A father of three from Kiambu County said he had been promised a military job in Russia with a salary of Sh250,000.
“I came here Friday last week but one. A friend told me that there was a well-paying job in Russia. We were to join the military. I was told they would pay me Sh250,000 in the job,” he said.
He explained that financial struggles pushed him to accept the offer.
“I am a father of three. I was given the number of the person organising the movement. I talked to him, and he told me what to do and the process to follow,” he said.
The man added that he paid Sh50,000 plus medical fees before being instructed to move into the apartment.
“We were preparing to leave the country for Russia when the detectives came knocking on our doors. We were actually signing documents as past touches,” he recounted.
Another victim, an electrician from Voi, said he left his job after being linked to the agents by a friend. “I left my job to go to Russia. I paid the money through M-Pesa as evidence of payment. I don’t know what is happening,” he said.
He explained that he arrived at the Athi River apartments on Monday and was among those who had their documents ready. He had paid Sh53,000 in total — Sh50,000 for accommodation and Sh3,500 for medical charges.
Investigations into the suspected trafficking ring are ongoing, with police warning that the syndicate has been targeting vulnerable Kenyans desperate for work abroad.