International Drug Syndicate Exposed in Kajiado, Four Suspects Arraigned
In a case that has sent shockwaves across Kenya, a Kenyan woman and three foreign nationals were charged on Thursday at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) law courts for allegedly running a clandestine drug lab in Kajiado County.
The accused, Betty Mukami Micheni, Nigerians Ojukwu Awu and Egwu Ogba Mba, and Mexican national Israel Alvarado, faced multiple charges, including possession of precursor chemicals such as Methylamine 40%, Ethanol, Phenylacetone 99%, and other substances linked to illegal drug manufacturing. They were also charged with owning land suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Prosecution Counsel Ligami Shitsama revealed that the crimes were committed between March and September 2024 in Ololepo village, Oloililai Sub-County. Further revelations in court showed that Micheni had travelled to India, where some of the recovered chemicals are believed to have originated.
Mba, one of the accused, was also charged with being in the country illegally, adding to the complexity of the case. The prosecution, led by Allen Mulama, argued against granting bail, stressing the seriousness of the charges, which could result in penalties of up to 20 years in prison or fines of at least Ksh. 20 million. They also cited fears that the foreign nationals involved might attempt to flee the country, given their links to an international criminal syndicate involved in chemical trafficking.
The four suspects pleaded not guilty before Senior Principal Magistrate Njeri Thuku. The case has now drawn attention from both local and international investigative agencies as authorities unravel what appears to be a sophisticated drug operation.
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International Drug Syndicate Exposed in Kajiado, Four Suspects Arraigned
