Police have arrested a 62-year-old man in Isinya, Kajiado County, over suspected child trafficking and defilement after detectives found him in the company of four children aged 17, 16, five and one year and four months.
The suspect, identified as Enock Peterson Mwangi, alias Mwamburi Mwandeme, was arrested at a bedsitter in Korompoi Trading Centre following an intelligence-led operation by police officers.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the discovery prompted detectives to investigate the circumstances under which the children came to be in the suspect’s custody.
“A subsequent search of a house associated with the suspect in Mashuuru Township yielded a cache of items that have raised further questions,” the DCI stated.
During the search, detectives recovered several bags containing children’s clothing of different sizes and for both sexes, ranging from newborn to teenage wear. Other items included baby shawls, blankets, a baby carrier and baby shoes of various sizes.
Investigators also found several sets of adult male clothing, ranging from sizes 34 to 54, neatly arranged on clothes hangers.
The search further uncovered six mattresses, empty diaper carrier bags, duvets, pillows and assorted foodstuffs, among other household items.
The DCI said the recovered items would form part of the ongoing investigations as detectives seek to establish the full circumstances surrounding the children’s presence with the suspect.
“The suspect has since been placed in custody as detectives work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the children’s presence with him,” the agency said.
The four children have been placed under appropriate care and protection and are expected to undergo medical examinations as investigators gather evidence.
The DCI reiterated its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable members of society, warning that anyone found culpable would face the full force of the law.
“Every lead will be followed, every piece of evidence scrutinised and, where culpability is established, the perpetrators will face the full force of the law,” the agency stated.
Investigations into the suspected offences are ongoing.
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