By Suleiman Mbatiah
Governor Susan Kihika has formed a taskforce to investigate sex trafficking and human rights violations in Nakuru County, following a recent BBC exposé that revealed the sexual exploitation of children in the region.
The exposé, which drew widespread attention on social and mainstream media, featured women recounting their experiences of exploitation. The Governor expressed outrage, particularly at the alleged inaction by law enforcement.
“If, as stated in the clip, law enforcement officers were informed when this was first recorded and nothing was done — no arrests, no action against the officers — I call upon the Ministry of Interior and the Inspector General to take action. This is not acceptable,” she said.
The taskforce’s first focus will be Maai Mahiu, where cases of child exploitation have been reported. It must submit a report by September 5, detailing measures to be rolled out in Maai Mahiu, then extended to Kikopey, Salgaa, Total, and Longonot along the Northern Corridor.
Chaired by Health CEC Roselyn Mongai, the team will investigate root causes, identify perpetrators, and propose lasting solutions. Members include Education CEC Zipporah Ngoge, Gender CO Gladys Kamuren, Public Health CO Joyce Nsese, legal expert and CO Stella Mwaura, Legal Department’s Maureen Litunda, and Director of Public Health Elizabeth Kiptoo, who will serve as secretary.
Kihika said the female-dominated team was chosen for its expertise, not gender, and stressed that abuse affecting all children, including boys, remains a priority. She called the initiative a “permanent priority” for her administration.
“As a woman, a mother, and the governor of Nakuru County, I affirm that exploitation, especially of children, is a crime that will not be tolerated, excused, or ignored under my leadership,” she said.
She urged accountability from families to community leaders, and tough prosecutions to deter offenders. Investigators, she added, must identify enablers, observers, and perpetrators, and deliver thorough reports.
The Governor also condemned those involved, naming a woman in the BBC clip who allegedly lured children with sweets.
“To the woman in the clip who boasted of luring children with sweets — shame on you. You should be prosecuted and spend the rest of your life in prison, along with your accomplices,” Kihika said.
To support survivors, the county is working with the national government to provide medical care, psychosocial support, and education. Plans include an anonymous abuse hotline and probes into child slavery. The county will coordinate with the security committee and convene a stakeholders’ meeting with parents, clergy, teachers, and community leaders once the report is in.
It also intends to help vulnerable families through enterprise projects and the Wezesha Fund to reduce children’s exposure to exploitation.
Former NACADA boss John Mututho backed Kihika’s call for tighter vigilance at all truck stops along the Northern Corridor, citing the need for stronger safety measures.
However, Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara dismissed claims of child trafficking in Maai Mahiu as baseless, saying no such incident has ever been reported in the last one year.
“We analyzed the entire documentary and found out that it was an alarming documentary that was meant to tarnish the name of the government. The DCI checked on the presentation of people that were on that clip and we summoned five women who recorded statement at Maai Mahiu Police Station and DCI took up the matter,” he stated.