The government of Kenya on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, launched a mandatory vetting exercise targeting all foreign nationals from Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Uganda’s Wagisu community living in West Pokot County.
This follows alarming allegations linking some individuals to acts of cannibalism and illegal organ harvesting.
The county security committee, during a meeting held on July 8, directed Sub-County security teams to immediately begin fresh vetting of all aliens from the mentioned countries residing in Kapenguria, Makutano, and Bendera areas.
“We are acting on credible intelligence and confessions from suspects. The aim is to verify the identities, intentions, and activities of these individuals,” said a senior member of the security committee.
“We respect the East African spirit of cooperation and the free movement of people, but these recent developments require firm action,” he added.
Authorities said the prime suspects, believed to be from Uganda’s Wagisu community, had been living in makeshift structures along a road reserve in Bendera.
Security officials adressing the issue
Security officials disclosed that the suspects had confessed to killing and consuming human corpses.
In response, the government has ordered the immediate reclamation of the road reserve and demolition of all illegal structures erected by the suspects.
Security teams also reported disrupting an attempted demonstration by youth allegedly mobilised to storm Kapenguria Police Station with the aim of freeing the detained suspects.
Authorities issued a strong warning to those involved and urged the public to remain calm.
“These are public installations funded by taxpayers. The police station had no role in the criminal acts committed,” said the official.
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“We caution youths and political leaders planning to incite violence. They will face legal consequences,” he added.
Previously reported cannibalism
The suspects are currently in custody, and the government obtained court approval to detain them for 21 days pending further investigations.
“We believe we have enough evidence to ensure prosecution and eventual conviction,” said the official.
The government of Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to justice and security in the region and urged residents to cooperate with security agencies as the investigation continues.
This comes after twelve suspects detained at Kapenguria Police Station in West Pokot County confessed to abducting, killing, and eating at least several children over the past few years.
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The confession plunged West Pokot County into grief and fury, triggering violent protests on Saturday, as irate residents blocked the Kapenguria-Lodwar highway at Bendera area for more than eight hours.
The angry protesters demanded that the police officers hand over the suspects to face mob justice.
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