Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations have arrested twelve Nepalese women during a raid at popular club in Nyali, Mombasa.
The twelve are suspected to be victims of human trafficking and were entertaining revelers at Rangeela grill and bar at Amkay Plaza.
The raid also saw police arrest the Club owner identified as Asif Jetha.
Reports indicate that the women were illegally working at the club with Jetha alleging that they had temporary passes.
Their specific role at the club remains unclear amidst speculations that the woment may have been strippers and dancers at the popular entertainment spot.
A statement from the DCI read in part that "@DCI_Kenya Detectives from the Transnational Organised Crime Unit early today raided a Club in Nyali and rescued Twelve victims of Human Trafficking-all #Nepalese ladies. The owner of the club one Mr.Asif Amirali Alibhai Jetha, a #Canadian arrested. All victims found well & safe".
Police also recovered cash, mobile phones and documents during the raid.
Investigations have been launched into the incident with police sources revealing that the club’s owner who is in police custody along with the victims will be investigate over human trafficking.
Dancers linked to Achesa arrested and deported
Four months ago, a similar at Balle Balle club in Nairobi's Westalnds saw police arrest eight Pakistani dancers who had been flown into the country in controversial circumstances.
In what was believed to be a human trafficking ring that roped in the then Sports CS Rashid Achesa, the eight dancers engaged in suspicious activities before they were arrested and deported.
The ladies were brought in by the proprietors of the club- Shaikh Furqan Hussain and Karan Ekdum – both nationalised Kenyans of Pakistani origin to be the performance on New Year’s eve between August and December of 2018.
Reports indicate that the dancers-all aged above 18 accessed the country on tourist visas but ended up engaging in questionable activities, eventually being arrested at the club where they were preparing to perform.
Of interest is that within 4 months, the dancers had regularized their stay, with Hussein and Edkum aiding them in obtaining special immigration passes and paving way for them to ply their controversial trade.