A 33-year-old Festus Arasa Omwamba, arrested for alleged human trafficking, was arraigned at Kahawa Anti-Terrorist Court. He is linked to a syndicate that lured Kenyans with fake job opportunities in Russia, only to trap them in illegal and dangerous work.
The suspect was charged with trafficking in persons contrary to section 3(1)(d) as read with section 3(5) of the Counter Trafficking in Persons Act of 2010. He pleaded not guilty to the offense.
Appearing before Kahawa Law Court Senior Principal Magistrate Geodion Kiage, Festus pleaded not guilty as the particulars of the offense were read against him. The charges state that on various dates between December 1, 2024, and September 24, 2025, at Great-Wall Gardens in Athi River area, Mavoko Sub County in Machakos County, he trafficked 25 Kenyan nationals to Russia for exploitation through deception.
In his remarks, State Prosecution Counsel Ken Awmanyi opposed the accused person’s release on bail and bond. He stated that investigations are still ongoing, and the accused is likely to interfere with the process if released. The 22 rescued victims of trafficking may be intimidated, re-victimized or dissuaded from testifying.
The prosecution informed the court that the accused person had earlier told the investigating officer that he had received several threats from Russians and should remain in custody for his personal security.
Amwanyi also raised concerns about public interest and the gravity of the offense, noting that the matter has attracted significant public attention both locally and internationally. Kenyan youths have tragically lost their lives in Russia due to foreign conflicts, and the public rightly demands accountability.
He further stated that given the sensitive nature of the charges and the severe penalties likely to be imposed upon conviction, the accused is highly incentivized to abscond.
His defense lawyer, Bonventure Otieno, requested time to cross-examine the Investigating Officer Stella Robi in her application affidavit to explain several submissions. Magistrate Kiage scheduled the defense to cross-examine the IO on the 27th before ruling on bond and bail terms.