70 Ethiopians and Eritreans Freed in Nairobi Anti-Trafficking Operation

Kenyan police have rescued 70 foreign nationals during a raid on a residential property in the Ruai area of Nairobi in a suspected human trafficking case.

Authorities said 66 Ethiopians and four Eritreans were found at the location, and one Kenyan suspect was arrested. The operation followed a tip-off from a member of the public, which led officers to the property where the victims were being held. Police said the conditions at the site suggested the group was being prepared for smuggling to other locations or for possible exploitation.

The Kenya Police Service said the rescue represents a significant development in ongoing efforts to disrupt trafficking networks operating in Nairobi. Investigators are continuing to question the suspect arrested during the raid as they work to identify others involved in the operation.

The incident comes weeks after police at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) intercepted two separate trafficking attempts. In those cases, four individuals were arrested on suspicion of using forged travel documents. Several travellers were also found without valid identification or proper travel papers.

Authorities say these cases reflect wider migration and trafficking patterns affecting the region. In recent months, reports have emerged of Kenyan and other African nationals being recruited with promises of work abroad, only to face coercion into military service in Russia.

In response, the government has strengthened security measures at JKIA. Officials have introduced an inter-agency approach that combines the Better Migration Management (BMM) programme with the Airport Communication Project (AIRCOP). The initiatives focus on intelligence sharing and passenger profiling to identify suspicious travel activity.

Police have urged the public to remain alert and report suspected trafficking activities.