Karua Demands Arrests Over Child Sex Trade Exposed in Maai Mahiu

People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to urgently order the arrest of suspects exposed in a chilling BBC documentary on child sex trafficking in Maai Mahiu.

In a statement issued Wednesday afternoon, Karua accused the government of dragging its feet despite public outrage and disturbing revelations from the exposé. The BBC investigation, released on Monday, uncovered a child prostitution network involving minors—some as young as 12—being exploited by long-distance truck drivers along key transport routes.

The documentary, which features undercover footage and testimony from victims, implicates two women believed to be leading the trafficking ring. It also sheds light on systemic exploitation of children across Nakuru and Narok counties, especially in areas frequented by truck drivers en route to Uganda and other neighbouring countries.

Karua condemned the inaction by security agencies, noting that even after the BBC alerted local police, no swift measures were taken. She described the failure to act as “a serious indictment of systemic failure” and a betrayal of Kenya’s vulnerable youth.

“Children are being trafficked and abused under our watch,” Karua said. “Outrage is not enough. We need justice. We need reform. We demand that all those implicated face immediate arrest and prosecution, regardless of their influence or position.”

As of Wednesday, neither the National Police Service nor county officials from Nakuru and Narok had issued any formal statement on the exposé. The silence has sparked further criticism from human rights groups and child protection advocates.

The country continues to await decisive action as calls for justice grow louder in the wake of the harrowing revelations.