NAIROBI, Kenya — Detectives in Trans Nzoia County have arrested a 56-year-old man suspected of child trafficking and safely rescued a 10-year-old boy in Kiminini.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the arrest followed a tip-off from members of the public who reported seeing an unfamiliar man with a young child in Nyamira Village.
Officers responding to the alert found the suspect, identified as Gilbert Nyabuto, in the boy’s company.
Police said the man allegedly posed as a senior government official, introducing himself as a ‘Deputy Commissioner’ with the National Intelligence Service and presenting a document to support the claim.
“A search of his bag raised further suspicion. Detectives recovered multiple academic documents belonging to different individuals, along with blank letters resembling Kenya Defence Forces recruitment calling documents,” authorities noted.
DCI said when questioned, the suspect claimed “…he was helping the child find accommodation.”
Both were then taken to Kiminini Police Station for further inquiries.
Authorities later confirmed that the boy had been reported missing and was positively identified by his mother from the Salona area. He has since been safely reunited with his family.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue into possible offences, including impersonation, fraud, and child trafficking.
The DCI has praised members of the public for their vigilance, noting that their quick action was key to the arrest and the safe rescue of the child.
