A suspected child trafficker has been arrested in Kajiado County after a multi-agency operation rescued four minors found in a bedsitter where the suspect was residing.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reported on Friday, September 4, that the suspect, identified as Enock Peterson Mwangi alias Mwamburi, was arrested at Korompoi Trading Centre in Isinya Sub-County following investigations into alleged child trafficking.
The operation brought together officers from the Kenya Police Service (KPS), Administration Police Service (APS) and DCI, who raided the suspect’s residence and rescued four children aged between one and 17 years.
The circumstances surrounding the presence of the minors at the bedsitter have raised further concerns among investigators, with detectives probing whether the children may have been subjected to other forms of abuse.
The rescued minors were taken to hospital for medical attention before being placed in safe custody as relevant government agencies undertake further interventions and investigations.
According to the DCI, preliminary investigations indicate that Mwangi may have operated beyond Isinya, with detectives linking his alleged activities to Mashuru in Kajiado County and parts of Nakuru County.
Investigators are now pursuing additional leads to determine the full extent of the suspected trafficking operation and establish whether more children could have been victimised through the alleged network.
The arrest could therefore mark the beginning of a wider investigation as detectives seek to identify other individuals who may have been involved in trafficking, exploitation or abuse of children.
The suspect is currently being processed ahead of arraignment, where he is expected to face appropriate charges.
The DCI warned that child trafficking remains a serious criminal offence, stressing that those involved in trafficking, exploitation or abuse of children, including individuals who facilitate such activities, will be pursued by law enforcement.
The agency further cautioned members of the public against participating in or facilitating crimes involving children, as detectives continue investigations into the suspected trafficking network.
The case comes as authorities intensify efforts to identify and disrupt networks involved in the exploitation of vulnerable children, with the DCI indicating that investigations into the suspect's activities are still ongoing.
