The Employment and Labour Relations Court delivered the judgment on Thursday, November 20, 2025, marking a major win in the fight against human trafficking and illegal recruitment.
Justice Bayram Ongaya ruled that recruitment agent Virginia Wacheke, her company Gratify Solutions International Ltd, and two others were responsible for sending the victim to Myanmar under false pretences.
Justice Bayram Ongaya ruled that recruitment agent Virginia Wacheke, her company Gratify Solutions International Ltd, and two others were responsible for sending the victim to Myanmar under false pretences.
The court found that the man was tricked into believing he was traveling for a genuine job opportunity, only to end up in conditions similar to slavery.
According to the ruling, the victim faced human trafficking, forced labour, servitude, and inhuman treatment.
According to the ruling, the victim faced human trafficking, forced labour, servitude, and inhuman treatment.
His freedom of movement was restricted, and he was subjected to degrading experiences that violated his constitutional rights.
Justice Ongaya stated that the respondents committed serious offences and must compensate the victim for the suffering he endured.
Justice Ongaya stated that the respondents committed serious offences and must compensate the victim for the suffering he endured.
The court ordered them to pay Ksh5 million by February 1, 2026. If they fail to pay by this deadline, the amount will start attracting interest at the standard court rate until it is fully settled.
The victim's lawyer, Ms. Lillian Nyangasi, welcomed the verdict, saying it is a historic and important step for victims of international trafficking.
The victim's lawyer, Ms. Lillian Nyangasi, welcomed the verdict, saying it is a historic and important step for victims of international trafficking.
She described it as the first known Kenyan court judgment involving a victim trafficked to Myanmar for labour exploitation and forced criminal activities.
She noted that this ruling sends a message to rogue recruitment agents who deceive job seekers with false promises.
The judgment comes at a time when many Kenyans continue to fall victim to fake recruitment agents, especially those advertising jobs in Asia and the Middle East.
In a separate case, lawyer Donald Kipkorir also recently won a constitutional petition against Muthaiga Country Club.
The judgment comes at a time when many Kenyans continue to fall victim to fake recruitment agents, especially those advertising jobs in Asia and the Middle East.
In a separate case, lawyer Donald Kipkorir also recently won a constitutional petition against Muthaiga Country Club.
On November 7, he announced that the High Court awarded him Ksh1 million after ruling that the club violated his rights by denying him entry despite being invited by a member. Justice Chacha Mwita handled the case, and Kipkorir thanked his lawyer, Peter Wanyama, for representing him.
The two rulings demonstrate how courts are increasingly holding individuals and institutions accountable for violating citizens’ rights.
The two rulings demonstrate how courts are increasingly holding individuals and institutions accountable for violating citizens’ rights.
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