Police in Eldama Ravine are investigating a suspected case of human trafficking syndicate after seizing a vehicle ferrying 20 women under unclear circumstances.
According to the Police sources, the women who looked starved and had to be fed first were found without any valid identification documents with them.
The women were taken for interrogation after a Toyota Hiace vehicle they were travelling in was flagged for speeding at the Makutano junction along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway by the traffic officers.
The driver of the vehicle, however, fled from the scene, leading the officers to interrogate the women and book the incident at the Makutano Police Station before transferring the women to the Koibatek Sub-County Police Station in Eldama Ravine Town.
On his part, Koibatek Sub-County Police Commander Joel Chepkwony said the women were dressed in buibuis and without any identification cards.
According to Sub-County Officer in Charge of Criminal Investigations, Richard Cheruyot, the women are of ages ranging between 20 and 25 years.
“The women come from various regions, with seven from Mombasa, four from Kakamega, two from Kwale, two from Nairobi, and one each from Elburgon, Voi, Meru, Kitale, and Nyandarua,” added Cheruiyot.
Cheruiyot said that the women will remain at the station as investigations continue into what they suspect to be a human trafficking syndicate.
“We are working to uncover the details of the case and identify those involved,’ assured the DCI officer.
The officer said they are also liaising with the National Transport Services Authority to ascertain the ownership of the vehicle as they probe the final destination of the women on transit.
By Christopher Kiprop and Maureen Chesang
