NAHUSOM Raises Alarm Over Trafficking of Kenyans for Forced Criminal Activities
The Network Against Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants (NAHUSOM) has issued a joint press statement expressing deep concern over the rising cases of Kenyans being trafficked and forced into criminal enterprises, particularly in foreign countries such as Myanmar.
The Network, which works alongside government agencies and international partners to combat human trafficking, cited alarming reports verified by Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
In a February 18 statement, the Ministry confirmed that several Kenyan nationals had been lured to Myanmar and held in captivity by rebel-controlled groups, where they were coerced into committing online crimes including fraud, phishing, identity theft, and cryptocurrency scams.
“These revelations point to a disturbing trend where trafficking is no longer limited to labor or sexual exploitation, but now includes forced participation in cybercrime under duress,” read part of NAHUSOM’s statement.
The network also raised red flags over the ongoing exploitation and deaths of Kenyan domestic workers in Gulf countries, calling it a “critical challenge” to national security, cyber safety, and the basic human rights of citizens.
While acknowledging the Kenyan government’s repatriation efforts and commitment to rescuing victims, NAHUSOM urged authorities to take bolder action.
The Network is calling for the immediate establishment of a Special Inquiry Commission with the mandate to,Investigate the trafficking of Kenyans for forced criminality, including how victims ended up in regions such as Myanmar,Develop preventative and protective strategies to combat such trafficking,Hold accountable all entities individuals, agencies, and institutions linked to these crimes and Improve labor protections for migrant workers and support reintegration for survivors.
NAHUSOM further announced that it will nominate anti-trafficking experts to join the proposed commission and assist in investigations and policy recommendations.
“This is an urgent call for joint action to protect Kenyans from modern slavery and criminal exploitation,” the statement concluded. “We must work together to safeguard public security, uphold the rule of law, and defend the dignity of all Kenyan citizens.”
By Shàron Atieno
