By Cyrus Ombati
NAIROBI, KENYA: A Russian national who has been staying in Kenya for more than 15 years has been deported over claims he was involved in drug trafficking.
Kurtasov Andrey, 42 was deported several days after then acting interior cabinet secretary Githu Muigai ordered for his deportation.
He was arrested in Mombasa and brought to Nairobi before being kicked off the country by police and immigration officials.
Officials involved in the operation said Andrey had been on the run after learning his deportation was imminent and even tried to bribe officers.
And since he was deported a week ago he has reportedly been calling and threatening the immigration officials who participated in the process that he would be back to ensure they are punished.
“He has been calling saying he will be back soon to ensure we are punished but we hope all is well,” said a senior immigration officials involved in the exercise.
Andrey is among close to 30 foreigners who were deported in an operation in June that was ordered by President Kenyatta.
According to deportation papers signed by Prog Muigai, Andrey was not a Kenyan citizen and his presence is contrary to the national interest.
“Let him be removed from Kenya to his country of origin Russia immediately and further I direct that he remains in prison custody while arrangements for removal are being undertaken,” said part of the papers dated June 6.
Andrey had been residing in the country since 1990’s and was at one time in late 1999 charged with murdering a fellow national Victor Gontcharenko in Gigiri area.
He was jointly accused with one Chapovalov Valeri but the charges were dropped because of lack of evidence under section 233 (1) of the Penal Code.
Those who knew him say he was involved in drug trafficking and was taken to be a kingpin.
In the past one-month, more than 24 foreigners have been deported for alleged involvement in international crimes.
Seven out of the 24 foreigners are believed to be key members of drug cartels operating in Kenya and have in the past been arrested on narcotic offences.
They include Anthony Chinedu, Johnson Obina, Eneke Chimenze, Emmanuel Peter, Paul Maison, Christopher Nanyelu, John Peter Osinomuno, Ismail Adengule, Michael Olabaji, Paul Owasene, Adu Kolawale, Kenneth Chikenzi, Johnson Obina, Adebiyi Oluwatosini, Peter Sessie and Obira Onzama.
Also deported were Diawara Mamady and Komani Camara (Guinea Bissau); Solomon Haulu (Ethiopia), Abubakar Toure (Ivory Coast), Mohammed Dokure (Burundi), Asif Mohammed and Mohammed Khan (Pakistan), and Mohammed Kamara (Sierra Leone).
