A suspected child trafficker has been arrested in Kajiado County after a joint operation by officers from the Kenya Police Service (KPS), Administration Police Service (APS) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The suspect, identified as Enock Peterson Mwangi, alias Mwamburi, was arrested at Korompoi Trading Centre in Isinya Sub-County following investigations into suspected child trafficking.
Four minors aged between one and 17 years were rescued during the operation from a bedsitter where the suspect was residing.
According to the DCI, preliminary investigations indicate that Mwangi may have extended his activities to several other areas.
Detectives are investigating alleged links to Mashuru in Kajiado County and parts of Nakuru County, among other areas.
The DCI said its officers were pursuing additional leads to establish the full extent of the suspect’s activities and determine whether more children may have been affected by the suspected trafficking network.
The investigation is also seeking to establish the circumstances under which the four minors were found.
The circumstances surrounding the children’s rescue have 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.
Relevant government agencies are now undertaking further interventions as detectives continue with investigations into the case.
The authorities are expected to establish the relationship between the suspect and the children and how they came to be under his care.
The suspect is currently being processed by detectives pending his arraignment in court.
He is expected to face appropriate charges once investigations are completed and the relevant legal procedures are finalised.
The DCI said the arrest was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle networks involved in the trafficking and exploitation of children.
The investigative agency warned individuals involved in child trafficking and other forms of child exploitation that they would be pursued.
“The DCI would wish to remind all and sundry that Child trafficking is a grave crime that robs children of their innocence, safety and future,” the agency said.
“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 added.
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