A 62-year-old man has been arrested in Kajiado County over suspected child trafficking and defilement after police found him in the company of four children aged 17, 16, five and one year and four months.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) identified the suspect as Enock Peterson Mwangi, alias Mwamburi Mwandeme, who was arrested following an intelligence-led operation at a bedsitter in Korompoi Trading Centre, Isinya.
In a statement, the DCI said the discovery prompted further investigations into the circumstances under which the children came to be in the suspect’s custody.
“The discovery immediately triggered deeper investigations into the circumstances under which the children came to be in his custody,” the agency stated.
Detectives subsequently searched a house associated with the suspect in Mashuuru Township, where they recovered several items that raised further questions about the case.
The items included bags containing children’s clothes of different sizes for both boys and girls, ranging from newborn to teenage wear. Officers also recovered baby shawls, blankets, a baby carrier and baby shoes of different sizes.
“Among the items recovered were several bags stuffed with children’s clothes of different sizes and for both sexes, ranging from newborn to teenage wear, alongside baby shawls, blankets, a baby carrier and baby shoes of different sizes,” the DCI said.
The search also uncovered several adult male clothes, ranging from size 34 to 54, which officers found neatly arranged on clothes hangers.
Other items recovered included six mattresses, empty diaper carrier bags, duvets, pillows and assorted foodstuffs.
“The search further uncovered six mattresses, empty diaper carrier bags, duvets, pillows and assorted foodstuffs, among other items,” the agency added.
The suspect has since been placed in custody as detectives continue investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the children’s presence with him and determine whether any criminal offences were committed.
“The suspect has since been placed in custody as detectives work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the children’s presence with him,” the DCI stated.
The four children have been placed under appropriate care and protection and are expected to undergo medical examinations as investigators gather evidence.
“The children have been placed under appropriate care and protection and will undergo medical examination as detectives piece together evidence,” the agency said.
The investigations are ongoing, with detectives expected to examine the recovered items and other evidence to establish the facts of the case. The suspect remains in custody as authorities work to determine whether he will face formal charges.
