The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has obtained a warrant of arrest for a JKIA-based immigration officer who failed to appear in court to face human trafficking charges.
The suspect, John Poriot, is accused of facilitating the illegal exit of two Kenyans to Thailand under false promises of employment, in violation of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act.
According to the prosecution, Poriot was scheduled to take plea before the Kahawa Law Courts but did not appear, prompting the court to issue a warrant for his arrest.
Justice Gideon Kiage issued the warrant and set the matter for mention on April 8, 2026.
“It is alleged that on October 3, 2024, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) within Embakasi Sub-County, the officer, jointly with others not before court, trafficked Evans Kipyegon and Isaac Kipruto by deceiving them with promises of employment in the Kingdom of Thailand,” DPP said in a statement.
Prosecutors say the actions amount to a serious breach of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act, No. 8 of 2010.
In addition to the trafficking charge, Poriot faces a second count under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, No. 9 of 2009. He is accused of “possessing Sh11,087 suspected to be proceeds of crime,” further compounding the allegations against him.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to crack down on human trafficking networks operating through key entry and exit points in the country.
JKIA, as Kenya’s main international gateway, has increasingly come under scrutiny in investigations involving the illegal movement of persons under deceptive arrangements.
The DPP’s move to secure a warrant signals a firm stance on accountability, particularly for public officers accused of facilitating transnational crimes.
Authorities are now expected to intensify efforts to apprehend the suspect ahead of the scheduled court mention.