Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation- Immigration have apprehended four individuals as part of an extensive operation targeting corrupt practices within Kenya’s immigration department.
Based on information provided by a source within Nyayo House, the detainees are Josphat Khamandi Manyonyi, Howard Tsimbagi (also known as Button), Ahmed Ibrahim Sheikh, and Hassan Mohamed Hosman. These individuals are suspected of exploiting members of the public for personal gain.
An inquiry into the covert undertakings at Nyayo House has brought to light how personnel within the Immigration department have been soliciting bribes over an extended period. These actions have triggered public outrage and severely damaged Nyayo House’s reputation.
Upon their apprehension on Friday, August 25, the suspects were confined to the Central Police station. They are being held in custody as they await their arraignment on charges related to preparing to commit a felony and conspiring to defraud the public.
These arrests come in response to a sweeping crackdown that was declared by Kithure Kindiki, the Ministry of Interior Cabinet Secretary. Kindiki referred to Nyayo House as a “crime scene” and pledged to thoroughly rectify the situation.
“I am committed to thoroughly addressing the issues at Nyayo House,” asserted CS Kithure before the committee. He further added, “Nyayo House will be cordoned off and designated as a crime scene. The customary 6 AM queues for Kenyans will no longer be tolerated. A comprehensive overhaul of Nyayo House is imperative.”
CS Kindiki stated that corruption within Nyayo House has direct links to persistent challenges faced by Kenya, including security and terrorism concerns.
Notably, CS Kindiki revealed that a backlog of 58,000 passport applications is currently causing inconvenience for many Kenyans. The Department of Immigration and Citizen Services is currently processing around 5,000 passports on a daily basis.
The Cabinet Secretary outlined plans to expedite passport issuance within 7 days, with a vision to reduce this timeline to 3 days in the near future and eventually achieve 24-hour issuance in cases of emergencies.
