Kenyan woman, three foreigners charged with operating drug lab in Kajiado

A Kenyan and three foreign nationals were on Thursday arraigned at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) law courts and charged with various offences, including operating a clandestine laboratory in Kajiado County.

Betty Mukami Micheni, Nigerians Ojukwu Awu and Egwu Ogba Mba and Mexican national Isreal Alvarado were likewise charged with being in possession of precursor chemicals, including Methylamine 40%, Ethanol, Phenilacetone 99%, tartaric acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Acetone, and Toluene, among other related substances.

They were also charged with possession of a parcel of land believed to be proceeds of crime. Additionally, Mba was charged with being in the country illegally.

"Prosecution Counsel Ligami Shitsama told the court that the accused persons allegedly committed the offence on diverse dates between March 15, 2024 and September 12, 2024 in Ololepo village within Oloililai Sub -County in Kajiado," the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said in a statement.

The quartet all pleaded not guilty to the charges before Senior Principal Magistrate Njeri Thuku.

The prosecution, led by Allen Mulama, however opposed the accused's release on bond, citing that three of them are foreign nationals linked to the illegal trafficking of chemicals, with investigations involving both local and international agencies uncovering a sophisticated international criminal syndicate.

The prosecution also emphasized the seriousness of the charges, which carry severe penalties, including a fine of at least Ksh.20 million or up to 20 years in prison, raising concerns that the accused might flee to avoid prosecution.

"Mulama also added that the 1st Accused person Betty Mukami Micheni is a holder of two valid East African Community passports with immigration travel records showing the accused person has travelled to India where some of the recovered chemicals originated," said the ODPP.

The case will be mentioned on October 30, 2024.