More than 100 Investigators based in three Coastal counties have been trained on how to curb Child Sex trafficking and other related vices, that are prevalent in the region
The detectives drawn from Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale counties were trained by the International Justice Mission (IJM), on how to identify the stages through which children are groomed for sexual exploitation, identifying children prone to sex trafficking, and the roles played by the various perpetrators and actors in a trafficking cycle.
According to Naomi Gichuki who is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a Legal Consultant, the training was key in preparing the officers to handle the vice that if left unabated, would destroy the future of many children, especially at the coast.
“Innocent children are lured by traffickers with offers of food, clothes, affection, friendship, and love then after cultivating some level of trust, the traffickers engage them in prostitution away from their friends and family,” said Gichuki.
Also Read: DP Ruto Responds To The Viral Clip-On Slapping President Uhuru
The officers were also trained on how to interview victims without re-traumatizing them, how to handle crime scenes, evidence management, chain of custody and transnational child sex trafficking.
“The training culminated with the launch of a child-friendly interview room for victims of child sex trafficking, which was commissioned at the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit (AHTCPU) offices in Mombasa on June, 30, 2022. Representing the DCI was the head of the Child Protection Unit, Ms Mueni Mutisya.” DCI said
The detectices said that Child sex trafficking investigations present unique challenges to law enforcement agencies and require a multi-jurisdictional response, to ensure the protection of victims and effective prosecution of offenders.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations welcomes this partnership with the International Justice Mission, as one of the ways of ensuring the safety and security of our children in the increasingly globalized society that we live in today.”
Email your news TIPS to news@thedailywhistle.co.ke or WhatsApp +254721 930 260.You can also find us on Telegram https://t.me/+8yP1XWu-DQY5ZDNk