Kenyan women governors call for action on Maai Mahiu child abuse

Kenyan women governors, led by Kirinyaga’s Anne Mumbi Waiguru, have demanded that the government, via relevant authorities, swiftly respond to the Maai Mahiu child trafficking syndicate.

Through a press statement dated August 8, 2025 and shared by Governor Waiguru on her X handle, the county bosses said the sexual abuse and trafficking of minors in the area was abhorrent and inhumane.

They stressed it must be addressed without delay.

Condemnation of abuse

The governors, speaking under the umbrella of the Kenya Women Governors, condemned what they described as a gross violation of human rights.

They called it a direct assault on the dignity, safety and future of children, particularly girls, who remain disproportionately at risk.

“The sexual abuse and trafficking of minors is not only a gross violation of human rights but a direct assault on the dignity, safety and future of our children, particularly girls who remain disproportionately vulnerable,” part of the statement read.

They noted that the tragedy highlighted a deep societal failure. They called for coordinated and sustained action to protect minors from further harm.

“We cannot and must not turn a blind eye while children are being robbed of their innocence, manipulated and abused under the veil of poverty, impunity and systemic neglect,” part of the statement read.

Call for government action

In their statement, they urged the National Government, particularly the Ministry of Interior, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, to initiate immediate investigations.

The leaders demanded that all perpetrators, including traffickers, facilitators and clients, be arrested and prosecuted.

They added that law enforcement officers who fail in their duties or collude with offenders must also face accountability.

The county chiefs called for the creation of a multi-agency rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration programme for victims. They said this should provide urgent psychological support, medical care and education to help survivors rebuild their lives.

Beyond emergency measures, the governors stressed the need to address root causes.

These include poverty, inadequate education, weak enforcement of child protection laws and harmful cultural attitudes that perpetuate exploitation.

The statement closed with a message to survivors, assuring them their plight was seen and heard. “No child should be for sale. No child should be invisible,” part of the statement read.