Police arrest 25 foreigners in Kisii

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i. He sent a letter requesting for more time to appear before the committee. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Police in Kisii have arrested 25 foreigners in the ongoing crackdown on illegal immigrants.

Fourteen of those arrested in the weeklong swoop in Kisii town are Tanzanians.

Kisii Central police boss Francis Nguli said some Ugandans and Burundians were also picked for interrogation before they are arraigned in court.

Majority of of those arrested did not have work permits.

"The crackdown marks the start but more are on the way to ensure we get rid of all aliens across the County," said Nguli.

He warned those harbouring illegal immigrants in their homes that they will also be arrested and prosecuted.

A number of those arrested during the swoop work as hair stylists and second-hand clothes dealers in Kisii town.

Last Month, Interior CS Fred Matiang’i gave foreigners living and working in the country without official work permits 60 days to get documentation or risk being arrested.

Dr Matiang’i said the step will help the government get rid of tax evaders and criminals.

"These statistics and figures do not appear to be realistic, as there seems to be more than 34,000 registered foreigners, probably more than 100,000," Dr Matiang'i said at Nyayo House in Nairobi when setting the activity in motion.

He said the Immigration department would embark on creating a digital register of legal foreign workers and provide them with electronic identification cards.