KWS officer arrested for allegedly helping to transport illegal immigrants. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
Police in Wajir County have arrested a Kenya Wildlife Service officer on allegations of helping to transport illegal Ethiopians immigrants into Kenya.
Wajir County Commander Stephen Ng’etich who confirmed the arrest said the officer identified as Mr John Kioko is from Isiolo KWS.
Mr Ng’etich said the officer was arrested at Garsekoftu, Wajir West while he was dressed in an official service uniform and was armed with an official rifle.
Some officers have been using the Wajir route to illegally transport Ethiopians into Kenya, he said while speaking to reporters.
The commander said they have launched investigations into the incident and to establish whether the officer is among officers unlawfully helping in the transportation.
Mr Ng’etich added that the officer could not give satisfactory explanations on his motive in the area when he was arrested.
“The officer is being held at Wajir Police Station on suspicion of helping to transport illegal Ethiopians immigrants into Kenya. He was donning an official service uniform and was armed with an official rifle,” said Commander Ng’etich.
Mr Ng’etich further said that they were investigating claims that an Administration Police officer from Isiolo was working with the suspect and could have evaded the police during the KWS ranger’s arrest.
More than 100 illegal immigrants have been arrested in parts of the county last month and those found guilty in court have been repatriated.