A Kenyan woman and three foreign nationals were arraigned on Thursday at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) law courts, facing multiple charges, including operating an illegal laboratory in Kajiado County.
The accused are identified as Betty Mukami Micheni, a Kenyan, alongside Nigerians Ojukwu Awu and Egwu Ogba Mba, and Mexican national Isreal Alvarado. They stand accused of possessing precursor chemicals such as Methylamine 40%, Ethanol, Phenylacetone 99%, tartaric acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Acetone, and Toluene, among others.
Additionally, they are charged with owning land believed to be acquired through criminal activities. Mba faces an additional charge for residing in the country without authorization.
According to Prosecution Counsel Ligami Shitsama, the alleged offenses occurred on various dates between March 15, 2024, and September 12, 2024, in Ololepo village, located within Oloililai Sub-County in Kajiado.
All four defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges before Senior Principal Magistrate Njeri Thuku. The prosecution, represented by Allen Mulama, objected to their release on bond, highlighting the foreign nationals’ connection to an international chemical trafficking operation. Investigations conducted by both local and foreign agencies revealed a complex criminal network involved in these activities.
The prosecution underscored the gravity of the charges, which carry significant penalties, including fines exceeding Ksh. 20 million or imprisonment for up to 20 years. They expressed concerns about the possibility of the accused fleeing to escape legal repercussions.
Mulama further noted that Betty Mukami Micheni holds two valid East African Community passports, and her immigration records indicate travel to India, where some of the confiscated chemicals originated.