Court Detains Man Accused of Trafficking Kenyan Youths to Russia

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has charged the director of Global Face Limited over the alleged recruitment of Kenyan youths to Russia under what prosecutors describe as deceptive circumstances.

Festus Arasa Omwamba, 33, appeared before Hon. Gideon Kiage, where he denied charges of human trafficking. The prosecution alleges that he recruited twenty-two Kenyan nationals and facilitated their travel to Russia for purposes of exploitation.

According to court proceedings, the alleged offences occurred on various dates between December 1, 2024, and September 24, 2025, at Great Wall Gardens in the Athi River area of Mavoko Sub-County, Machakos County. The court heard that Omwamba, alongside another individual already before the court, recruited the youths through deception.

Prosecuting counsel Kennedy Amwayi told the court that twenty-two suspected victims of human trafficking were rescued in Athi River on September 24, 2025, before they could leave the country.

The prosecution further alleged that three other individuals who had already travelled to Russia ended up at the frontline of the Russia-Ukraine war. The three reportedly later returned to Kenya with injuries.

Omwamba is said to have surrendered himself at the Moyale immigration border point, where he was arrested on February 2, 2026. He was subsequently booked and escorted by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers from Moyale to Isiolo Police Station before being handed over to officers from the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU).

Opposing his release on bail, Amwayi urged the court to detain the accused, arguing that he poses a flight risk and that the matter has attracted both local and international attention.

“Your Honour, the accused person is a flight risk, and this case has attracted public interest both locally and internationally. The public demands accountability following the loss of life in Russia,” the prosecutor submitted.

The court ordered that Omwamba remain in police custody pending the hearing and determination of his bond and bail application.