KAJIADO COUNTY, Kenya — Detectives have rescued 48 young women during separate operations in Ongata Rongai and Kiserian targeting alleged sexual exploitation and the commercial production of obscene content, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has said.
According to the DCI, the operations were launched following intelligence reports from members of the public, leading officers to raid premises suspected of being used to facilitate the alleged criminal activities.
In the first operation, detectives raided a house in the Rimpa area of Ongata Rongai, where they found 30 women aged between 19 and 27.
A search of the premises led to the recovery of seven laptops fitted with cameras and other equipment that investigators believe was being used in the commercial production of obscene content.
The women were taken into protective custody and are being held at Ongata Rongai Police Station as investigations continue ahead of planned court proceedings.
In a separate operation in neighbouring Kiserian, a joint team of officers from Kiserian and Rongai police stations rescued 18 women after receiving intelligence that young women had allegedly been lured with promises of domestic employment before being subjected to sexual exploitation and commercial prostitution.
During the operation, detectives recovered mobile phones, laptops and other electronic devices believed to have been used to facilitate the alleged offences.
Police said the principal suspect linked to the Kiserian operation remains at large, with detectives pursuing leads to locate and arrest the individual.
In a statement, the DCI said arrangements were being made to ensure the rescued women receive appropriate care and protection.
“Arrangements are being made to provide the rescued women with safe, appropriate shelter and comprehensive holistic support services, including psychosocial counselling and medical care, to ensure their safety, dignity, and successful reintegration,” the agency said.
The DCI added that investigations into both cases are ongoing to establish the full extent of the alleged criminal networks, identify additional suspects and gather evidence for possible prosecutions.
The agency urged members of the public to continue sharing information that could assist law enforcement in combating human trafficking, sexual exploitation and other organised crimes targeting vulnerable individuals.