JKIA immigration officer freed after court allows withdrawal of trafficking-linked case

John Poriot had been charged with allegedly facilitating the unlawful exit of two Kenyans from the country for purported exploitation.

Appearing before the Kahawa Law Courts, Poriot, through his lawyer Danstan Omari, told the court he had written to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) seeking a review of the charges and clarification on whether the prosecution intended to proceed with the case.

The prosecution informed the court that the ODPP had reviewed the file and directed that the matter be handled administratively by the Immigration Department, instead of proceeding with criminal charges.

The state subsequently applied to withdraw the case under Section 87(a) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Trial magistrate Gedion Kiage allowed the application and ordered that Poriot be discharged under Section 87(a), setting him at liberty.

The withdrawal means the case has been terminated in court, but it may still be subject to administrative action by relevant authorities.