Fifteen Kenyans living in the United States have been placed on a new public list by the US Department of Homeland Security, marking them among individuals the Trump administration has branded as the “worst of the worst” and lined up for deportation.
Their names, photos and criminal records have been posted on a DHS webpage unveiled on Monday, setting them among the first 10,000 people flagged for removal.
The group includes 14 men and one woman who US Immigration and Customs Enforcement notes were arrested in different states after being convicted of various offences, ranging from drunk driving to robbery.
DHS says the list is meant to show individuals it considers a danger to public safety.
Among those featured is Naserian Montet, whose smiling photograph contrasts with the tag she now carries.
DHS states that she was found guilty of assault and violation of a court order before being arrested in Spanish Fork, Utah. She appears on the same list as 14 other Kenyans described by the agency as threats to national security.
Another Kenyan, Alfred Obiero, is listed as having been convicted of assault, driving under the influence and domestic violence. He was taken into custody in Colorado Springs, according to information posted on the DHS platform.
Patrick Mwangi and Daniel Kathii, both linked to driving under the influence offences, were arrested in Texas, while Isaac Githinji, labelled for flight to avoid prosecution, was arrested in Arizona.
In Minnesota, Collins Keanche was arrested after convictions for check forgery and money laundering, while in Massachusetts, Francis Mungai is listed for receiving stolen property.
Bethuel Gathu, whose conviction is recorded as robbery, was arrested in California. Also in the database is Moses Okoth, convicted of aggravated assault and arrested in Nashville, Tennessee.
Texas authorities arrested Clement Mulovi following a fraud conviction, while Moffat Muriithi was taken in over drug-related offences. Antony Karia, linked to fraud, false statement and a hit-and-run incident, was arrested in Seattle, Washington.
In Georgia, Boniface Mburu is recorded as having been convicted of aggravated assault and possession of stolen property. Kevin Gunyanyi, listed for assault and what DHS identifies as terroristic threat offences, was arrested in Pennsylvania.
The list is completed by Mohamed Chekchekani, who DHS says was convicted of kidnapping a minor and violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations Act. He was arrested in San Pedro, California.
