The West Pokot County Security Committee has announced commencement of a thorough vetting process for foreign nationals from Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Wagisu community of Uganda, following chilling revelations linking some foreigners to a suspected cannibalism and organ harvesting ring.
Speaking during a press briefing held at his office on Monday July 7, 2025, West Pokot County Commissioner Abdullahi Khalif, flanked by senior security officials, said the move was aimed at establishing the legality of stay and the activities of certain individuals within Kapenguria, Makutano, and Bendera areas.
“We fully respect the spirit of the East African Community and the principle of free movement among member states,” Khalif said. “However, given that all the current suspects are of Ugandan origin, specifically from the Wagisu community, we are compelled to take firm and precautionary measures.”
The crackdown comes in the wake of the arrest of 13 suspects, all reportedly of Ugandan origin, believed to be involved in killing children, harvesting their organs, and consuming human flesh.
Road Reserve Demolitions and Security Threats
As part of a wider security operation, the County Commissioner also ordered the reclamation of a road reserve in Bandera, where one of the main suspect had illegally erected his house.
“I have issued a directive for the suspects house in the Bendera area to be flattened by the close of business today,” Khalif stated. “These was previously occupied by individuals under investigation.”
Khalif further revealed that security officers had thwarted a planned attack by youths who intended to storm Kapenguria Police Station, free the suspects, and torch the facility.
“Let me caution those involved in planning these criminal acts: a police station is a public utility built using your taxes. It has no role in the crimes under investigation,” he warned. “We will not tolerate any attempts to obstruct justice.”
He also issued a stern warning to political leaders allegedly inciting violence.
“Any politician found inciting youths to violence will face the full force of the law. We will not hesitate to prosecute, regardless of status,” he emphasized.
Suspects Remanded, Evidence Collected
All 13 suspects were transferred to Kitale Police Station to de-escalate tensions in Kapenguria. They appeared before a magistrate at Kitale Law Courts, where the court granted investigators 21 days to conclude investigations.
According to Khalif, the government now believes that the suspected crimes date back to December 2024.
“We believe some of the victims may have gone missing around that time,” he said. “We are committed to accounting for every missing child and adult. No life is insignificant.”
He revealed that confessions made by several suspects have provided crucial leads into the whereabouts of missing persons.
“Today, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), together with the National Police Service, will return to the scene of the crime to recover additional items that may assist in building the case.”
Khalif confirmed that investigators had already conducted a comprehensive sweep of the site, alongside forensic experts from the Government Chemist.
“We have recovered a significant number of items and materials, which are now being subjected to forensic analysis,” he said.
“While I cannot disclose specific details due to the sensitive nature of the case, I can confirm we have sufficient evidence to prosecute all 13 suspects. We are confident we will conclusively place them at the scene of the crime.”
As investigations continue, families of the missing persons remain hopeful that justice will be served and the truth uncovered.
