78 Kenyans rescued from Myanmar land at JKIA

A group of 47 Kenyans landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Saturday morning, with 31 more landing at half past noon. 

PS for the State Department for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu received the last team of 31 who came via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on board Ethiopian Airlines.

The group was processed for clearance at the airport and is expected to record statements at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to furnish the detectives with the facts of how they landed in Myanmar. 

Speaking to Citizen TV, the returnees revealed that they endured severe torture from the scammers if they failed to comply with their demands. 

The development comes amid another group of 48 Kenyans who were rescued at the Thailand-Myanmar border and repatriated two weeks ago. 

What was touted as lucrative opportunities in Myanmar turned out to be a cover for human trafficking as hundreds of foreigners were duped by the scheme. 

The government has since cautioned Kenyans seeking jobs abroad to have a work visa or work permit before leaving the country. Further, the state advised job-seekers to verify job offers with the diaspora office to ascertain credibility. 

"There are no jobs in Thailand, India or Malaysia. These countries also have unemployment challenges. If someone is recruiting you for a job in any of these places, you’re likely to be a victim of trafficking. Run! And report them to us," PS Njogu said in a post on X January 24, 2025.