The government has successfully repatriated 60 Ethiopian nationals after a court order mandated their release. The repatriation took place on Friday, following a decision from the Machakos court earlier this week.
This group included 56 individuals detained in a Githunguri residence within the Mlolongo division on October 25, alongside four others apprehended in Athi River, Machakos County.
On Friday morning, the 60 men were transported from the Mavoko SNP police station, where they had been held since their arrests.
According to police reports, the group was officially processed for repatriation at 7:45 AM, and they were then taken to the Moyale border for transfer to Ethiopian authorities.
The report detailed that, on October 26, the individuals were brought to the Muungano police station for safekeeping.
On October 30, they appeared in Mavoko Law Court, where they were charged with being in the country unlawfully.
However, Magistrate Silas Kandie ruled in favor of their discharge, highlighting that their detention was unlawful and their treatment was inhumane.
“The court has decided against imposing any penal consequences.
They are to be discharged as outlined in the charge sheet under Section 35(1) of the penal code,” Kandie stated, emphasizing the need for the government to facilitate their return to Ethiopia.
The court also mandated the payment of translation fees for the interpreter involved.
This ruling coincided with another court decision involving 19 other Ethiopian nationals held at the Joska police station for similar charges.
Reports indicated that these individuals had staged a protest, refusing meals and expressing their distress over prolonged detention, demanding immediate repatriation.
Footage from the station showed the detainees visibly upset, and sources revealed that this was not their first instance of refusing food as a form of protest.
As the situation unfolds, the investigation officer has been instructed to update the court on progress regarding the repatriation by November 1, 2024.
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