Women governors demand probe into child exploitation in Maai Mahiu

The G7 Women Governors have called for a multi-agency rescue and rehabilitation program for children trafficked and abused in Maai Mahiu, urging swift justice for perpetrators and support to help victims heal and reintegrate.

“This tragedy reflects a deep societal failure and points to the urgent need for coordinated and sustained action,” the governors said in a statement released on Friday.

They described the sexual abuse and trafficking of minors as a grave violation of human rights and a direct attack on the dignity and future of vulnerable children, especially girls.

The governors called on key government bodies, including the Ministry of Interior and the Coordination of National Government, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, to act swiftly.

“Investigations must be launched swiftly, and all perpetrators, traffickers, facilitators, and clients must be brought to justice,” they emphasised.

The leaders also insisted that any law enforcement officers who fail to uphold their duties or enable these crimes through corruption must be held accountable.

Central to their demands is the urgent establishment of a multi-agency rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration program.

The governors stressed the need for psychological support, medical care, and education for survivors to help them recover from trauma and rebuild their lives.

The Women Governors reiterated their commitment to child protection across all counties. They pledged to collaborate with civil society groups, faith-based organisations, local leaders, and international partners to strengthen child protection systems, especially in vulnerable communities affected by poverty and displacement.

They also pointed to root causes like poverty, lack of education, weak enforcement of laws, and cultural attitudes that normalise exploitation. “No child should be for sale. No child should be invisible,” the governors declared.

To survivors, they offered a message of hope and solidarity: “We see you, we hear you, and we will fight for your protection and justice.”
The caucus concluded with a call to action: “Let this be a turning point. The time for action is now.”

In related developments, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced plans to establish a special police unit to tackle child and human trafficking networks nationwide.

Speaking at a town hall meeting in Kericho County on Thursday, Murkomen said, “The government has resolved to form a specialised police unit that will work closely with other agencies to dismantle child and human trafficking networks.”

He confirmed that investigations into the Maai Mahiu case are ongoing and warned that officers found complicit in trafficking or neglecting reports will face disciplinary measures.