Bungoma, Kenya – Police in Bungoma County have detained 44 Eritrean nationals who were discovered living in a private residence in Miti Mbili Village, Tongaren Constituency, under circumstances now under investigation by both immigration and security agencies.
According to local residents, the group was secretly brought into the Soysambu area in the early hours of Friday morning aboard what witnesses described as a “military-type vehicle.” Villagers became suspicious after noticing unusual movement and the presence of unfamiliar faces in the neighborhood, prompting them to alert local authorities.
Soysambu Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Nginai confirmed the arrests, stating that the Eritreans are being held at Brigadier Police Station pending verification of their immigration status.
“We have 44 individuals in custody who claim to be from Eritrea. The Immigration Department is reviewing their documents to determine whether they have valid entry permits,” Nginai said.
Preliminary reports suggest the group may have entered Kenya illegally through porous border points, possibly assisted by human traffickers. Security officials are probing whether this incident is linked to a wider network of cross-border smuggling operations involving refugees and migrants from the Horn of Africa.
The detained individuals have reportedly told police they fled Eritrea to escape political instability and ongoing conflict. Many expressed fear of persecution if they are forced to return home, saying they were seeking safety and asylum in Kenya.
“We are only looking for peace,” one of the Eritreans told officials during initial questioning, adding that they hope to be relocated to a recognized refugee camp such as Kakuma or Dadaab.
Local leaders have urged authorities to handle the case with both firmness and compassion, noting that the individuals might be genuine asylum seekers.
“Kenya has a proud record of hosting refugees fleeing war. But it’s also important that the law is followed and immigration procedures are respected,” a village elder said.
The Department of Immigration and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) are expected to assess the situation and determine whether the Eritrean nationals qualify for refugee protection under Kenyan and international law.
This incident highlights the growing challenge of irregular migration in the region, as instability in parts of the Horn of Africa drives thousands to seek refuge in neighboring countries. Kenya currently hosts more than half a million refugees, mostly from Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Authorities in Bungoma have increased surveillance along border routes to prevent further illegal entries and ensure security in local communities while the investigation continues.
