MERU, Kenya – A multi-agency security operation conducted in Meru County on Thursday night led to the arrest of four suspected illegal migrants working at an unlicensed bakery in Central Imenti Sub County.
The raid, carried out in Kiria location within Abothuguchi Central, was led by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), public health officials, and other government agencies following a tip-off from members of the public.
According to sources familiar with the operation, detectives attached to the Central Imenti Sub County Criminal Investigations Office (SCCIO), under the leadership of Dr Margaret Owino, stormed the premises late at night and found several workers actively baking bread and other confectionery products.
“The police acted on information from the public indicating that illegal immigrants were operating from the area. During the operation, officers found them working at a bakery,” a source said.
Authorities managed to arrest five individuals during the operation, although several others reportedly escaped before police could secure the facility.
Among those arrested was a 45-year-old Kenyan woman believed to have been working at the bakery. The other suspects include three Rwandan nationals aged between 23 and 29, and a 22-year-old Burundian national.
The suspects are currently being held at Kariene Police Station pending further investigations and immigration processing.
Security agencies have since launched a manhunt for the owner of the bakery, who is also suspected to be a foreign national, as well as other workers who escaped during the raid.
Investigators described the bakery as operating under extremely unhygienic conditions. During the inspection, officers reportedly discovered dirty oil stored in large pans, flies hovering around food preparation areas, and poorly maintained baking equipment.
The facility, situated about 600 metres off the Meru–Nkubu road, contained large earthen kilns, baking chambers, packaged bread ready for distribution, and several motorcycles fitted with delivery crates.
Police also recovered various items believed to be exhibits, including eggs, fats, baking pans, and cooking oil.
Authorities suspect the bakery had been supplying bread, cakes, and other confectionery products to several trading centres across the region, including Kariene, Equator, Gikumene, Gitimbine, Makutano, Nkubu, and Meru town.
Investigations into the legality of the business, immigration status of the workers, and public health compliance are ongoing.
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