Police in Bungoma County have arrested 44 Eritrean nationals who were found residing in a house in Miti Mbili Village, Tongaren Constituency.
Residents of Soysambu area reported suspicious activity early Saturday morning, prompting authorities to investigate. The foreigners were allegedly brought to the area aboard a military-type vehicle before settling in a local resident’s home.
Officials Confirm Arrest
Soysambu Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Nginai confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects are being detained at Brigadier Police Station pending verification of their immigration status.
“They are being held as the Immigration Department establishes whether they possess valid entry permits,” Nginai said.
Eritreans Claim to Be Seeking Asylum
According to police sources, the Eritrean nationals told investigators they had fled their country to seek safety, citing ongoing conflict in parts of Eritrea.
They are now appealing to the Kenyan government for asylum and relocation to a recognized refugee camp until conditions in their homeland improve.
Investigations Underway
Authorities are investigating how the group crossed into Kenya and who facilitated their transport and accommodation. The case has also been referred to the Department of Refugee Services and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for possible processing.
