Kenyans stranded in Cambodia due to a trafficking scheme are requesting government assistance to return home

Over 600 Kenyans, enticed by job opportunities in Cambodia, claim they were held there against their will in a trafficking scheme, and on Tuesday, they sought to compel their government to facilitate their return home.

Cambodia’s interior ministry announced that it had rescued them during a crackdown on scam centers, which have increased in number across Southeast Asia recently.

The documents submitted to Kenya’s High Court on Monday indicate that the Kenyans were held in a secured compound encircled by tall perimeter walls and barbed wire until it was stormed by Cambodian authorities.

The court filings indicate that they were compelled to work relentlessly for 16 hours each day to achieve demanding targets, with several individuals experiencing stabbings and enduring untreated injuries.

The group requested the court to issue immediate orders directing Kenya’s foreign ministry and other state agencies to provide consular protection, issue emergency travel documents, and facilitate their repatriation.

Their petition referenced constitutional safeguards against torture and slavery, asserting that the state bore a responsibility to safeguard its citizens overseas.

A spokesperson for the Kenyan foreign ministry stated that she was not familiar with the case.

Cambodian authorities have informed the group of Kenyans that they must depart by February 28 or risk facing legal action and possible imprisonment. The group states that they are unable to afford flights back to Kenya.

The interior ministry of Cambodia clarified that the group might not face legal action due to a misunderstanding.

The spokesperson stated that foreigners who were rescued from scam centers were housed in “safety shelters” while conversations took place with their embassies regarding their return home.

Kenya’s High Court scheduled the case for hearing on Tuesday.