Detectives from the Operations Support Unit (OSU) have arrested six suspects and rescued three Indian nationals who had reportedly gone missing shortly after arriving in Kenya.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said in a statement posted on its X account on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, that the three nationals were traced to a two-bedroom house in Ruiru’s Fort Jesus area, Kiambu County.
The three had arrived in Kenya on August 5 and were reported missing, prompting detectives to launch investigations into a suspected human trafficking case.
According to the DCI, preliminary investigations established that the trio left Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after being cleared through immigration. They reportedly boarded a taxi allegedly arranged by their receiver, who was waiting for them in Ruiru.
The three were then taken to the house where detectives believe they were allegedly held incommunicado.
“Those arrested are Avtar Singh, an Indian national; Ali Khashif and Syed Shujaat Hussein, both Pakistani nationals; and Stephen Karomo and Damaris Katulu Daudi, both Kenyans,” the DCI said.
A Kenyan minor was also found at the premises. Investigators said the minor was allegedly working as a house help at the residence.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects reportedly gave detectives an explanation for the presence of the three Indian nationals in the country.
“The suspects claimed they were assisting the three Indian nationals to travel to Italy via Ethiopia,” the DCI stated.
However, detectives are continuing with investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the movement and confinement of the three nationals.
The DCI said the ongoing probe will also seek to identify other individuals who may have been involved and establish whether the suspects have links to a wider human trafficking network.
“Investigations are ongoing to establish the activities of the six suspects, identify their accomplices and determine their possible links to a human trafficking network,” the agency said.
The six suspects are currently being processed for arraignment as investigations continue.
The rescue highlights ongoing concerns surrounding human trafficking and the exploitation of individuals who may be moved across borders under misleading or suspicious circumstances. Authorities are expected to pursue the investigation further to determine the full extent of the suspected network and establish whether additional arrests will follow.
