Women Governors condemn child sex trafficking in Maai Mahiu, call for immediate action against perpetrators
The Kenya Women Governors caucus, G7, has strongly condemned the inhumane exploitation of children especially girls in sex trade in Mai Mahiu.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the caucus led by Kirinyaga Governor, Anne Waiguru, stated that sexual abuse and trafficking of minors is not only a gross violation of human rights but was also a direct assault on the dignity, safety and the future of children-particularly girls.
This comes after a report by an international news channel exposed a prostitution syndicate in Maai Mahiu where older women have been selling underage girls to men for sex. The report revealed that most of the girls ran away from home due to traumatic experiences either as orphans or destitute only to fall prey to sexual exploitation. Some of the children confessed of being forced to have unprotected sex exposing them to infections such as HIV.
The governors called on the government to immediately launch investigations and bring to justice all perpetrators, be they the traffickers, facilitators or clients. They also demanded that law enforcement officers who have failed in their duty or have enabled those crimes through complicity or corruption be held accountable as well.
“This tragedy reflects a deep societal failure and points to the urgent need for coordinated and sustained action. We cannot, and must not, turn a blind eye while children are being robbed of their innocence, manipulated, and abused under the veil of poverty, impunity, and systemic neglect”. Read part of the statement.
The women leaders also stated that the children needed urgent psychological support, medical care, and education to rebuild their lives and called for the establishment of a multi-agency rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration program for victims.
“What is happening to our children in Mai Mahiu is heartbreaking and unacceptable. We stand united as G7 Women Governors in demanding for urgent action to rescue, protect and restore the lives of those children and to hold every perpetrator accountable.” Governor Waiguru added her voice in her social media posts.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding children in every county pledging to work with the civil society, faith-based organizations, local leaders, and international partners to strengthen child protection systems, especially in vulnerable communities where poverty and displacement increase risk.
“We must address the root causes: poverty, lack of education, weak enforcement of child protection laws, and harmful cultural attitudes that normalize exploitation. No child should be for sale. No child should be invisible. To the survivors: we see you, we hear you, and we will fight for your protection and justice. Let this be a turning point. The time for action is now” the statement read.
