Kenyan man charged with fraud over recruitment to fight in Ukraine conflict

Kenya’s Director of Public Prosecutions Office Charges Man with Human Trafficking

A Kenyan man, Festus Omwamba, has been charged with human trafficking by the Kenya’s Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). According to the DPP, Omwamba is accused of recruiting 22 “Kenyan youths” for a recruitment agency and sending them to Russia for exploitation. The victims were rescued in an operation at an apartment complex in Athi River last September.

Three other individuals who had allegedly left Kenya before being rescued are believed to have been injured while fighting on the front lines in Ukraine. Omwamba pleaded not guilty to the charges during his appearance at the Kahawa Law Courts in Kiambu.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) stated that Omwamba was considered a key player in a larger human trafficking syndicate that exploits vulnerable individuals by promising them legitimate employment opportunities in European countries. He was arrested earlier this month in Moyale, near the Ethiopian border.

Omwamba’s lawyer described the case as based on “speculations” and claimed there was no evidence to support the charges. The prosecutor stated that the case has garnered public interest both locally and internationally due to the loss of life in Russia.

According to a National Intelligence Service (NIS) report, more than 1,000 Kenyans have joined the Russian army in recent months. The report also revealed that 89 Kenyans are still on the front lines, 39 have been hospitalized, and 28 are missing in action.

Source: Al Jazeera