Kenyan authorities have initiated a thorough vetting process for foreign nationals, especially those from Burundi, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Uganda's Wagisu (Bagisu) community, after shocking allegations of cannibalism and child murders surfaced in West Pokot.
The move follows the arrest of 12 foreign nationals in Kapenguria's Bendera area, who are suspected of involvement in ritual killings and the consumption of human flesh.
Police investigations led to the grim discovery of human remains--some buried in shallow graves--as well as children's clothing, shoes, and school bags.
These findings have stirred fear and outrage across the country, with many questioning how such horrific crimes could unfold in their midst.
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"We will not allow criminals to hide behind our hospitality," said West Pokot County Commissioner Khalif Abdullahi at a press briefing on Monday.
"Anyone who cannot explain their presence in Kenya will be immediately repatriated. This is not about discrimination, but about protecting our national security."
Some of the arrested individuals have allegedly confessed to killing and eating children, with authorities reporting at least eight missing minors from the Pokot and Turkana communities in recent weeks.
The victims' remains are believed to be linked to ritualistic killings and possibly organ trafficking.
The Kenya Police Service has secured a 21-day detention order for the suspects while investigations continue. Among the suspects, six are suspected minors and will undergo forensic age testing before formal charges are filed.
"The nature of these crimes is deeply disturbing," said Thomas Sugut, the Rift Valley Regional Officer for the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
"We are looking into a potential network involving human trafficking and cannibalism, which might stretch across our borders."
Outrage among locals boiled over as residents of Kapenguria staged protests, blocking roads and setting fire to homes believed to belong to the suspects.
Tensions eased only after the deployment of anti-riot police.
"We don't feel safe anymore. These people killed our children and buried them like animals. We demand justice!" shouted Janet Cheptoo, a grieving mother whose 9-year-old son vanished last month near Makutano market.
David Lomuria, another local, raised concerns about how the foreigners managed to settle in the area without anyone noticing.
"Where was immigration? Where were the local chiefs? How could these strangers come here, buy land, and even run businesses without anyone asking questions?" he asked.
In response to these concerns, the government has begun demolishing illegal structures and reclaiming public land in the Bendera area, where many undocumented immigrants were found to be residing.
Authorities have also launched a manhunt for Michael Atembo, a Ugandan national and the suspected ringleader, who reportedly fled after news of the arrests surfaced.
"We believe Atembo may have crossed into Uganda. We are working closely with our regional partners to track him down," confirmed Commissioner Abdullahi.
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Local leaders have been warned not to fuel public unrest or protect any of the suspects.
"Any political leader or public figure who tries to obstruct this investigation or incite hatred will face the full force of the law," warned West Pokot Police Commander Ezekiel Chege.
Additionally, the Ministry of Interior has instructed counties along the Ugandan and South Sudanese borders to review the registration status of foreign nationals living in informal settlements, as part of efforts to tighten border controls.
This shocking incident has reignited debates about Kenya's immigration policies, the vulnerability of its porous borders, and how criminal groups are exploiting East African Community (EAC) free-movement protocols.
As the vetting exercise continues, authorities are urging residents to remain calm and assist law enforcement.
