Detectives from the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) are pursuing an Assistant Director of Immigration Services, Mr. John Pario, who is wanted after failing to appear in court for plea taking in a human trafficking case.
The suspect was arrested on April 2, 2025, following investigations into the trafficking of two victims to Myanmar in 2024 while he was stationed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). He is said to have facilitated their departure despite prior knowledge that they had been denied entry into Thailand under similar circumstances.
Forensic analysis revealed sustained communication between Mr. Pario and a co-suspect, demonstrating coordinated planning. The suspect is further alleged to have received the victims’ photographs and travel documents to aid in their identification and clearance, and later attempted to help them evade scrutiny upon return.
Investigations also established financial transactions linked to the facilitation, while victim statements confirm they were referred to Mr. Pario through the trafficking network.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) approved charges against the suspect, who was released on cash bail of Kshs. 50,000. He was subsequently enjoined as the third accused person in a criminal case before the Kahawa Law Courts, facing charges of facilitating the exit of persons from the country contrary to Section 7 of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act No. 8 of 2010.
On March 24, 2026, the suspect was processed at DCI Headquarters and directed to appear in court on March 25, 2026. Plea taking was deferred to April 1, 2026, but he failed to attend, prompting the court to forfeit his cash bail and issue a warrant of arrest.
He is now a wanted person with efforts to trace and apprehend him ongoing.
