Police have arrested a suspected child trafficker and rescued four minors during an operation at Korompoi Trading Centre in Isinya Sub-County, Kajiado County.
The operation was conducted by a joint team drawn from the Kenya Police Service, Administration Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), following investigations into the suspect’s alleged involvement in child trafficking.
The suspect was arrested at a bedsitter where he was residing. Police said four minors, aged between one and 17 years, were found in the house and rescued.
According to preliminary investigations, the man is suspected to have extended his activities beyond Isinya to other areas, including Mashuru in Kajiado County and Nakuru County.
Detectives are now pursuing additional leads to establish the extent of the suspect’s alleged activities and determine whether more children could have been victims of the suspected trafficking network.
The circumstances under which the children were found have also raised concerns that they may have been subjected to other forms of abuse.
The minors were taken to hospital for medical attention before being placed in safe custody as relevant government agencies undertake further interventions and investigations.
The suspect is being processed by police and is expected to be arraigned in court to face appropriate charges.
The DCI warned individuals involved in trafficking, exploitation or abuse of children that they would be pursued and brought to justice.
“Child trafficking is a grave crime that robs children of their innocence, safety and future,” the DCI said.
The agency said the arrest demonstrates the continued efforts by law enforcement agencies to disrupt networks involved in the exploitation and trafficking of children.
“Those involved in the trafficking, exploitation or abuse of children, as well as those who facilitate such crimes, are hereby put on notice that law enforcement agencies will relentlessly pursue them and bring them to justice,” the DCI said.
The agency urged members of the public to report suspected cases of child trafficking and abuse to the authorities, stressing that information from the public can help detectives identify victims and dismantle criminal networks.
The rescued children remain under the care of relevant agencies as investigations continue into their circumstances and the activities of the suspect.
