Police in Eldoret have arrested a middle-aged man believed to be the mastermind behind a child trafficking syndicate operating in Uasin Gishu County. The suspect, who allegedly worked with a secondary school dropout to recruit victims, is now assisting authorities in investigations.
How the Trafficking Syndicate Operated
According to police reports, the suspect lured minors with promises of lucrative opportunities abroad. Once smuggled out of the country, the victims were reportedly used to extort millions of shillings from their families in exchange for their freedom.
Turbo Sub-County Police Commander Patrick Wekesa confirmed that law enforcement officers intercepted the suspect at the Road Block Estate on the outskirts of Eldoret city. He had traveled from Busia in a taxi to pick up two teenagers, aged 14 and 15, who had been prepared for illegal migration.
Police Rescue Two Minors Before Smuggling Attempt
The two rescued minors, both students at a public secondary school in Turbo, had abandoned their studies two weeks prior after being deceived by the suspect’s false promises. Detectives, acting on intelligence, laid an ambush and arrested the trafficker before he could transport them across the Kenya-Uganda border.
Crackdown on Human Trafficking in Kenya
The suspect is currently being held at Eldoret Central Police Station as investigations continue. Authorities have pledged to dismantle the child trafficking network and bring all involved to justice.
This arrest highlights the growing concerns over human trafficking in Kenya, with law enforcement agencies intensifying efforts to combat the illegal trade.
