An immigration officer, John Pario, is now being sought by detectives after failing to appear in court over a serious human trafficking case.
Investigators from the Transnational Organized Crime Unit say the suspect, an Assistant Director of Immigration Services, did not show up for plea taking, leading the court to issue a warrant for his arrest.
The case dates back to 2024 when two victims were trafficked to Myanmar under questionable circumstances.
At the time, Pario was stationed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where he is alleged to have played a key role in facilitating their travel. Reports indicate that he allowed their departure despite being aware that they had earlier been denied entry into Thailand under similar conditions.
This raised concerns about possible abuse of his position.Investigations carried out by detectives uncovered strong evidence linking him to the trafficking network.
Forensic analysis revealed that he had maintained regular communication with a co-suspect, suggesting a coordinated plan.
Authorities also say he received the victims’ photographs and travel documents in advance, which helped him identify and clear them at the airport without raising suspicion.
Further findings showed that financial transactions were made in connection with the operation, pointing to possible benefits gained from the illegal activity.
Statements from the victims also confirmed that they had been directed to Pario by individuals within the trafficking network, strengthening the case against him.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions reviewed the evidence and approved charges against him. He was later arrested on April 2, 2025, and released on a cash bail of Kshs. 50,000.
Pario was then listed as the third accused person in a case at the Kahawa Law Courts, facing charges related to facilitating the illegal movement of persons out of the country, contrary to the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act.
On March 24, 2026, he was processed at DCI headquarters and instructed to appear in court the following day. However, the plea was postponed to April 1, 2026, when he failed to attend.
This led the court to forfeit his bail and issue a warrant for his arrest.
Authorities say efforts to trace and arrest him are ongoing, and he is now officially considered a wanted person.
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