Aasai

In a chilling turn of events, the Kenyan government has initiated a fresh vetting exercise targeting foreign nationals residing in West Pokot County following alarming reports of cannibalism and human organ harvesting. This drastic move comes in the wake of the arrest of 13 suspects believed to be behind the gruesome crimes that have left the nation stunned.

West Pokot County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi confirmed the development on Tuesday during a press briefing, revealing that the county security committee had reached the decision after an emergency meeting. The vetting will specifically target individuals from Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Uganda’s Wagisu community, all of whom are suspected to be linked to the shocking activities.

“The county security committee has directed that all foreign nationals from Burundi, Rwanda, Congo, and the Wagisu community be vetted afresh to establish their presence and activities in areas such as Kapenguria, Makutano, and Bendera,” said Abdullahi.

He explained that although Kenya values regional cooperation under the East African Community (EAC), the country’s national security would not be sacrificed in the name of free movement. “We respect the East African spirit of unity and free movement, but the suspects are from Uganda’s Wagisu community, and it is our duty to ensure that their stay in Kenya is lawful and not harmful,” he added.

According to the County Commissioner, preliminary investigations revealed that the prime suspects had been living illegally on government land along a road reserve in Bendera. He noted that these individuals had reportedly confessed to the heinous crimes of killing and consuming human corpses.

In response, Abdullahi ordered an immediate demolition of the illegal structures in Bendera, announcing that the government would reclaim the road reserve without delay. “By the end of today, we shall have flattened all the illegal structures the suspects were living in. That land belongs to the government and must be reclaimed,” he asserted.

In a separate but related incident, the police thwarted an attempted mob attack by youths who had planned to storm the Kapenguria Police Station with the intention of freeing the suspects and torching the facility. Commissioner Abdullahi condemned the move and warned those behind the incitement, including political leaders, that they would face prosecution.

“We have intelligence that certain youths had planned to attack the police station. Let me be clear — this is a public facility built using taxpayers’ money. Any attempts to burn it down will be treated as a serious criminal offence,” he warned. “Politicians found inciting the public will not be spared. We shall take legal action against them.”

Abdullahi assured residents that thorough investigations were underway, with authorities already in possession of compelling evidence against the suspects. He revealed that a court had granted police 21 days to continue detaining the suspects as investigations proceed, signaling the government’s resolve to bring those involved to justice.

The disturbing case has sent shockwaves across the country, raising concerns about security, immigration controls, and the safety of local communities in border regions.