The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has formally charged Festus Arasa Omwamba, director of Global Face Limited, with human trafficking after allegedly recruiting Kenyan youths for exploitation in Russia.
The 33-year-old faces allegations of deceiving and recruiting twenty-two Kenyan nationals between December 1, 2024, and September 24, 2025.
The recruitment reportedly took place at Great Wall Gardens in the Athi River area, Mavoko Sub-County, Machakos County.
Court documents indicate that Omwamba and an accomplice recruited the youths under false pretenses, promising employment opportunities abroad, only for them to face exploitation.
Three of the victims who had already travelled to Russia reportedly found themselves on the frontline of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and returned with injuries.
Omwamba appeared before Hon. Gideon Kiage and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
He voluntarily surrendered at the Moyale border point on February 2, 2026, where he was arrested, booked, and escorted by Moyale DCI officers to Isiolo Police Station before being handed over to the Trafficking in Persons and Child Exploitation Unit (TOCU).
Prosecuting counsel Kennedy Amwayi told the court that twenty-two of the victims were rescued on September 24, 2025, in Athi River.
“Your honour, the accused person is a flight risk, and this case has attracted public interest both locally and internationally; therefore, the public demands accountability following the loss of life in Russia,” Amwayi said.
The court was informed that Omwamba’s alleged actions had endangered the lives of Kenyan youth and caused international concern, particularly because some of the victims were caught in active conflict zones.
Given the gravity of the allegations and public interest, the court ordered that Omwamba remain in police custody pending the hearing of his bond and bail application.
Legal experts say the case underscores the challenges authorities face in combating human trafficking networks targeting vulnerable youths for exploitative opportunities abroad.
Human trafficking remains a priority area for Kenya’s law enforcement agencies, with TOCU officers actively working to dismantle recruitment networks and protect citizens from illegal overseas employment schemes.
Authorities urge families and youths to remain vigilant and report suspicious recruitment activities to curb such exploitative practices.
The case continues to attract attention due to its cross-border implications, linking Kenya to human rights concerns in conflict zones abroad.
The DPP has vowed to pursue accountability for all individuals involved in the trafficking network.
