KILIFI, Kenya — A court in Kilifi has handed down hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences to two men convicted of trafficking a minor for sexual exploitation, marking a significant win for prosecutors in the fight against child abuse and human trafficking.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) confirmed that Principal Magistrate Ivy Wasike found Stephen Changawa Kahindi, alias Kitsonyole, and Stephen Katana Menza guilty of trafficking a 14-year-old girl for sexual exploitation.
The court ordered each of the convicts to pay a fine of Sh30 million, bringing the total financial penalty to Sh60 million. By default, both will serve 30 years in prison.
Kahindi received an additional three-year sentence after being convicted of conspiring to defeat justice and interfering with witnesses, contrary to Section 117 of the Penal Code. Menza, on his part, was handed a further 20-year sentence for defilement under the Sexual Offences Act, along with an extra five-year term for threatening to kill the victim.
The sentences will run concurrently. Menza’s sentence will take effect from March 25, 2026, while Kahindi’s term will be calculated from July 22, 2024, when they were first remanded in custody.
Court proceedings revealed that the offences were committed between February 7 and July 10, 2024, in Mwahera location, Ganze Sub-County in Kilifi County.
According to evidence presented by the prosecution, Kahindi, a hotel operator, lured the minor away from her parents with promises of education and employment. He then handed her over to Menza for Sh1,000. Menza transported the girl to Dzifahe, where she was subjected to sexual abuse.
Principal Prosecution Counsel Nancy Njeru led a case built on five witnesses, successfully proving the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
In her ruling, Magistrate Wasike underscored the gravity of the offences, noting that trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors constitute serious violations of the law and fundamental human rights.
The court also directed that the victim continue receiving psychosocial support to aid her recovery from trauma. Additionally, authorities were instructed to link her to vocational and skills training programmes to support her reintegration and long-term well-being.
The conviction highlights Kenya’s legal framework under the Sexual Offences Act and the Penal Code, which provide stringent penalties for crimes involving minors. It also reflects ongoing efforts by the DPP to strengthen the prosecution of gender-based violence and child protection cases.
As investigations into similar cases continue, the DPP has reiterated its commitment to pursuing justice for victims and dismantling trafficking syndicates operating across the country.
