65 Ethiopian nationals rescued from house in Mihang’o, three Kenyans arrested

Police rescued 65 Ethiopian nationals from a dilapidated house along Gesora Road in Mihang’o, Nairobi, on Tuesday morning, October 20, 2026. The occupants were discovered emaciated and physically weakened, having reportedly sought refuge from hardships back home. The house came to the attention of authorities when a caretaker reported seeing foreign nationals inside, leading officers from the Mihang’o Police Station to investigate further.

Upon arrival, police confirmed that 65 Ethiopian nationals were housed within the premises, all appearing to be in dire health conditions. In addition to the Ethiopians, three Kenyan nationals were also found inside the house and were subsequently arrested for questioning regarding suspected human trafficking activities. The Kenyan suspects are anticipated to face further scrutiny as investigators delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the Ethiopian nationals’ arrival at the residence, the conditions under which they were being held, and the potential involvement of a larger organized trafficking network.

As the investigations were set in motion, Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kayole meticulously processed and documented the crime scene. The rescued Ethiopians were subsequently transported to the Kayole Police Station, where authorities coordinated further actions and worked towards establishing the identities of those involved.

Human smuggling and trafficking cases have been increasingly prevalent in Kenya in recent times, with Ethiopians and Eritreans being among the most affected. The individuals allegedly sought to cross borders to escape troubles back in their respective countries, with many heading towards South Africa and the Middle East in search of better opportunities. Most of these migrants utilize the Moyale route for their journey, often oblivious to the dangers that await them.

Numerous Ethiopians and Eritreans are often apprehended in various locations across the country as they wait to be relocated to their designated destinations. Police and immigration officials have been vocal about the rising incidents of Ethiopians and Eritreans being nabbed while in transit, emphasizing the urgent need for joint operations to combat human smuggling.

Investigations conducted by the Transnational Organized Crime Unit indicate that hundreds of Ethiopians and Eritreans are apprehended annually in Kenya, only to be deported later.

The majority of the arrested individuals come to Kenya with aspirations of securing employment or as transit migrants heading to other countries like South Africa and the Middle East. The incident in Mihang’o, Nairobi, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by those attempting to enter the country via illicit means and highlights the relentless efforts of law enforcement to curb such exploitative practices.