West Pokot, Kenya — The Kenyan government has launched a sweeping crackdown on foreign nationals residing in West Pokot County, following the arrest of 13 suspects linked to shocking allegations of cannibalism and human organ harvesting.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday afternoon, West Pokot County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi confirmed that the suspects — allegedly from Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Uganda’s Wagisu community — were arrested after a security committee meeting that unearthed their suspected involvement in the heinous acts.
“The County Security Committee has directed a fresh vetting of all aliens from Burundi, Rwanda, Congo, and the Wagisu community who are suspected of involvement in cannibalism and organ harvesting,” Abdullahi announced.
“They will be vetted by sub-county security committees to ascertain their intentions in areas such as Kapenguria, Makutano, and Bendera.”
Despite affirming Kenya’s commitment to regional integration under the East African Community (EAC), Abdullahi emphasized that national security could not be compromised.
“We respect the spirit of East African cooperation, including the free movement of people. However, all suspects currently in custody are Ugandan nationals from the Wagisu community. We are taking stringent measures to determine the legality of their presence and activities,” he stated.
Abdullahi revealed that the prime suspects, who allegedly confessed to killing and consuming corpses, had been living illegally on a road reserve in Bendera. He ordered the immediate reclamation of the land and demolition of the structures.
“Those involved were occupying public land illegally. I have directed that all structures on the road reserve in Bendera be flattened by the close of business today,” he said.
Authorities also disclosed that police had thwarted an attempted mob attack on Kapenguria Police Station by youths reportedly mobilized to free the suspects and burn down the station.
“We are aware of incitement efforts by certain political leaders. Let it be known that any leader found inciting youths to commit acts of violence will be prosecuted,” Abdullahi warned.
“Police stations are public utilities built with taxpayer funds — they must be protected.”
He assured the public that investigators had gathered substantial evidence and were confident of securing convictions. A local court has already granted the prosecution 21 days to hold the suspects while investigations continue.
