Kenyan authorities have arrested twelve Ugandan nationals in West Pokot County in connection with horrifying allegations of cannibalism, child abduction, and human organ trafficking. The suspects were apprehended following a series of raids in the Bendera area near Kapenguria, where locals had reported suspicious activities and missing children.
The arrests, which occurred on July 7, followed the discovery of disturbing evidence at one of the suspect’s residences, including human bones, burned clothes, school uniforms, ropes, and children’s textbooks. Local officials say at least eight children may have been abducted and killed, with strong indications that some of the victims were consumed.
West Pokot County Commissioner Abdullahi Khalif confirmed that initial interrogations led to disturbing confessions. “The suspects admitted to killing and eating children,” he said, calling the crimes “inhuman and barbaric.” while addressing local media.
He noted that several of the accused had occupied public land illegally, which is now being reclaimed and cleared by the authorities.
The Kapenguria High Court ordered age assessment tests on six of the suspects who claimed to be minors. All twelve individuals are currently in custody, with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Child Protection officers, and the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) jointly handling the case.
The arrests sparked outrage and protests in the local community. Residents barricaded the Kapenguria–Lodwar Highway, set fire to properties linked to the suspects, and demanded swift justice. Security forces were deployed to de-escalate the situation and prevent mob violence.
In response to public concern, the government has announced mandatory vetting of all foreign nationals, particularly those from Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, who are residing in the area. Commissioner Khalif emphasized that the operation is ongoing and that more arrests could follow.
The Ministry of Interior has condemned the acts and called on communities to report any suspicious behavior as investigations intensify. Authorities also suspect the group may be part of a wider cross-border criminal network involved in ritual killings and illicit organ trade.
Mustaqbal
