Former KTN Senior Investigative Editor Mohammed Ali and Senior Investigative Reporter Dennis Onsarigo disclosed how several tonnes of the cocaine went missing, how key suspects were allowed to escape and how two State prosecutions were deliberately mishandled.
They also shone a light on the drastic lengths to which Kenya’s drug barons and their friends in high places go to ensure their secrets remain protected
On December 13, 2006, two Armenian citizens, Artur Margaryan and Artur Sargsyan, known as the “Artur Brothers,” arrived in Kenya from Dubai, posing as investors.
They were quickly issued Kenyan passports and work permits, allegedly with the assistance of powerful government officials.
During their time in Kenya, they received special treatment, including being recognised as high-ranking officials with access to VIP facilities at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
A report by Nation at the time indicated that the two had assaulted a customs officer at the airport in an incident in which guns were involved.After the incident, their home in Runda was raided and a number of guns found as well as ammunition and balaclava helmets.
The two, alongside their accomplices were declared persona non grata and banished from ever setting foot in Kenya.
”The government has declared their continued presence in the country undesirable and ordered their immediate deportation,” a police statement indicated at the time.
At that time government declared their continued presence in the country undesirable and ordered their immediate deportation,” a police statement indicated at the time.After the incident, the two, alongside their accomplices were declared persona non grata and banished from ever setting foot in Kenya.
Alexander Tashchi and Mr. Arman Damidri were the two guys who were expelled together with the brothers.The two men that were expelled with the brothers were Mr. Arman Damidri and Alexander Tashchi.
