Kahawa Court Orders Detention Of Festus Omwamba Over Russia Trafficking Claims
News Updated: 27 February 2026 18:20 EAT
Festus Arasa Omwamba
The Kahawa Law Courts has directed that Festus Arasa Omwamba, the man accused of trafficking Kenyans to Russia, be detained at Kiambu Remand Prison until Thursday, March 5, pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.
Omwamba appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Gideon Kiage where the prosecution opposed his immediate release, citing the seriousness of the charges and concerns over possible interference with investigations. The court allowed the State’s application for custodial detention ahead of the bail ruling.
The accused faces charges linked to alleged recruitment and facilitation of Kenyan youths to travel to Russia under false promises of employment. Investigators claim several young men were intercepted locally before departure, while others had already travelled abroad.
According to court filings, authorities conducted an operation in Athi River in September last year where more than 20 alleged victims were rescued before they could leave the country. The prosecution maintains that the recruitment scheme exposed victims to exploitative and potentially dangerous conditions.
Omwamba has denied the charges. His defence team informed the court that they intend to challenge aspects of the prosecution’s application and pursue bail, arguing that the accused is entitled to release pending trial.
The matter will be mentioned on March 5 when the court is expected to rule on the bail request, as investigations into the alleged trafficking network continue.
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FELIX MAKONA
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