Four Ethiopian nationals were arraigned before a Mombasa court charged with being in the country illegally.
the four, Gibra Gabero, Gaani Gargino, Zagei Demaga and Adimo Hailemarain were arrested on June 29 at Likoni ferry in Mombasa County.
The court heard that the accused were arrested by police officers from Inuka police station while they were attempting to cross to Mombasa island through the Likoni ferry channel.
According to the police, the officers received a tip-off from members of the public about the foreigners.
On Friday, the court further heard that the accused were arrested by the police after failing to produce passports or any documents to show their legal entry and stay in Kenya.
They pleaded guilty to the charges before Mombasa Principal Magistrate Henry Nyakweba.
Magistrate Nyakweba in his ruling ordered for the four to pay a fine of Sh100,000 each or serve a one year jail term.
The foreigners will be repatriated to Ethiopia after paying the fine or serving their prison sentence.
They have two weeks to appeal the ruling.