The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has secured a warrant of arrest against an immigration officer attached to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after he failed to appear in court to take plea in a human-trafficking case.

According to the prosecution, the accused, John Poriot, was expected to appear before the Kahawa Law Courts on Tuesday, March 31 but did not show up, prompting the court to issue a warrant for his arrest.

In a statement on X, the prosecution said it had moved to court to ensure the suspect is compelled to appear and answer to the charges.

“The Director of Public Prosecutions has secured a warrant of arrest against an immigration officer based at JKIA after he failed to appear in court for plea-taking,” the statement read in part.

The officer is expected to face charges under the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act for allegedly facilitating the illegal exit of two Kenyans from the country for purposes of exploitation.

Prosecutors allege that on October 3, 2024, at JKIA within Embakasi Sub-County, the accused, together with others who have not been charged, trafficked two individuals by promising them employment abroad.

“It is alleged that on 3rd October 2024 at JKIA, the officer jointly with others not before court trafficked Evans Kipyegon and Isaac Kipruto by deceiving them with promises of employment in the Kingdom of Thailand,” the prosecution stated.

The accused is also facing a second charge under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act for allegedly being in possession of Ksh. 11,087 suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Presiding magistrate Gideon Kiage issued the arrest warrant and directed that the matter be mentioned on April 8, 2026.

Authorities are now expected to apprehend the suspect to ensure he appears in court to answer to the charges.