A Lamu court sentenced a middle-aged woman to a Sh30 million fine or 30 years’ imprisonment for trafficking a 16-year-old girl for exploitation.
Resident Magistrate Flavian Mulama found Diana Akinyi Simiyu guilty of trafficking in persons contrary to Section 3(1) as read with Section 3(5) of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act, 2010, after the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The case, prosecuted by Prosecution Counsel Ahmed Omar Mohamed, relied on compelling evidence from seven witnesses, demonstrating how Simiyu deliberately lured, transported and harboured the minor from Thika to Mpeketoni, Lamu County, using deception and manipulation.
The court heard that the accused exploited the teenager’s vulnerability following family disagreements, promising her employment and a better life.
Simiyu coordinated every stage of the journey, provided pocket money, issued strict instructions to avoid detection, and ensured the minor travelled under a different name.
In a firm rebuke of the offence, Mulama ruled that the accused “conceived and executed the plan” to traffic the child, noting that the evidence overwhelmingly pointed to her sole responsibility.
However, Simiyu absconded while on bond and was convicted in absentia, with the court ordering her immediate arrest to serve the sentence.
The judgment sends a strong warning that traffickers will be relentlessly pursued and held fully accountable under the law.
