Police have been granted seven more days to hold the 82 aliens of Ethiopian origin arrested in Syokimau, Machakos County on Saturday.
The suspects were all produced in Mavoko Law Courts but failed to take plea.
They included the 71 male adults and juveniles arrested on the fateful day alongside 11 others who presented themselves to the police on Sunday.
They appeared before Mavoko Principal Magistrate Eunice Kimaiyo who directed that all the suspects be detained at Mavoko SNP police station until September 4, 2023, when they will be produced in the same court for a mention.
Kimaiyo granted police seven days following a miscellaneous application made by the prosecution seeking more time to liaise with the Ethiopian Embassy for purposes of the suspects’ repatriation.
The aliens are yet to be charged and are treated as victims of human trafficking.
The granted days were also to give the investigations officer time to trace the owner of the house from which the suspects reportedly broke loose before they were nabbed.
The court hopes that the landlord is traced before repatriation orders are given.
At least 71 Ethiopians were on Saturday evening arrested for allegedly being involved in human trafficking.
Eastern Regional Police Commander Joseph Ole Napeiyan said the 38 male adults and 33 male juveniles were arrested after they were found loitering at Magorofani area off Mwananchi Road in Syokimau, Athi River East subcounty.
He said police responded after being tipped by members of the public leading to the arrests.
"It was reported by members of the public that there was a number of suspected foreigners at Magorofani area off Mwananchi Road in Syokimau. Police responded to the scene and made the arrests," Napeiyan told the Star.
He explained that it is suspected that the 71 males were unlawfully confined in a residential house whose owner is yet to be established.
"The suspects are said to have allegedly escaped from the house after they broke the main door and window panes then ended up loitering before the arrest," Napeiyan said.
They have been detained at Mavoko SNP police station.
