Delayed justice: Zero arrests five months after BBC exposé on Maai Mahiu sex trade
Last August, BBC Africa Eye released an exposé on child sexual exploitation in Maai Mahiu, Nakuru County.
What you need to know:
- On August 6, 2025, NPS Director of Corporate Communication and Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the service had taken note of the documentary, recognising the urgency and gravity of the issues raised and committing to treat them with the seriousness they deserve.
Last August, just two days after BBC Africa Eye released an exposé on child sexual exploitation in Maai Mahiu, Nakuru County, the National Police Service (NPS) swung into action.
On August 6, 2025, NPS Director of Corporate Communication and Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the service had taken note of the documentary, recognising the urgency and gravity of the issues raised and committing to treat them with the seriousness they deserve.
“In direct response to the documentary, a multi-agency team, including specialised officers from the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit (AHTCPU) has been deployed to Maai Mahiu, where statements have been taken from three persons of interest,” Mr Nyaga said.
“Immediate steps have also been taken to identify, rescue, and support the affected children. Investigations are ongoing, with the aim of arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators.”
However, five months later, no arrests have been made.
David Wafula, the specialised officer from AHTCPU leading the investigation, confirmed that the two main suspects - the “madams” featured in the documentary- have gone underground.
“Yes, we have not arrested anyone so far,” Mr Wafula said. “We are looking for the two madams. Investigations are ongoing, and we hope to interview potential witnesses before reaching any conclusions. We also appeal to the public for assistance in tracing them or providing information to help with the investigation.”
On August 13, 2025, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen appeared in the National Assembly to respond to questions from MPs.
While addressing a question from Gilgil MP Martha Wangari on the issue, he said 14 witnesses had so far been interviewed, statements recorded, and all locations visited and documented by the Crime Scene Investigations team.
However, CS Murkomen added that individuals presented in the documentary as underage victims were, in fact, adults engaged in commercial sex work, some of whom allegedly falsified their ages to fit the documentary’s narrative and to qualify for a promised foreign sponsorship programme.
“Investigations have established that the BBC team primarily sought underage girls, but some of the girls misrepresented their ages to secure the benefits promised by the producers,” he told the MPs.
The BBC, however, defended its investigation, maintaining that the documentary clearly stated that those interviewed were adults recounting experiences of abuse that occurred when they were underage.
