Festus Arasa Omwamba, who was arrested for alleged human trafficking, was on Thursday, February 26 arraigned at Kahawa Anti-Terrorist Court.
Authorities are linking the 33-year-old man to a syndicate that has been luring Kenyans with fake jobs in Russia, only to trap them into the doping military work at the battlefront in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Omwamba was charged on trafficking in person Contrary to section 3(1) (d) as read with Section 3 (5) of the Counter Trafficking in Persons Act of 2010 where he pleaded not guilty of the offence.
Appearing before Senior Principal Magistrate Gideon Kiage, Omwamba pleaded not guilty as the particulars of the offence were read against him that on diverse dates between 1st of December 2024 and 24th September 2025 at Great-Wall Gardens in Athi River area, Mavoko Sub County in Machakos County, with another before court, trafficked by recruiting 25 Kenyans nationals to Russia for the purpose of exploitation by means of deception.
In his remarks, the State Prosecution Counsel Ken Amwanyi opposed the accused person being released on bail and bond stating that the investigation are still ongoing, and the accused is likely to interfere with the process if released. He argued that the 22 rescued victims of trafficking may be intimidated, re-victimized or dissuaded from testifying.
The prosecution, however, told the court that the accused person had earlier informed the investigating officer that he had received several threats from Russia and he should remain in custody for his personal security.
Amwanyi at the same time raised Public Interest and Gravity of the Offence saying the matter attracted immense public interest both locally and internationally. Kenyan youth have tragically lost their lives in Russia due to foreign conflict and the public rightly demands accountability.
He further said that given the sensitive nature of the charges and the stiff penalties likely to be imposed upon conviction, the accused is highly incentivized to abscond.
Defence lawyer Bonventure Otieno prayed to the court that he need time to cross examine the Investigating Officer Stella Robi in her replying affidavit.
Magistrate Kiage directed that the defence will cross examine the suspect on Friday, February 27, before ruling on bond and bail terms.
