Detectives from the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) have arrested three people in connection with suspected online sexual exploitation in Mihang’o, Embakasi East, Nairobi County.
In a statement released on Tuesday, July 21, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the arrests followed actionable intelligence that led detectives to a house where five women were allegedly being held and exploited for commercial purposes. The DCI added that detectives rescued the women, who were reportedly confined in two bedrooms within the property.
The DCI further said preliminary investigations indicated that the women were allegedly lured by promises of well-paying employment. Instead of securing jobs, the victims were allegedly forced to produce online sexual content for commercial exploitation.
The agency said detectives searched the premises and recovered items they believe supported the alleged exploitation.
Suspects Named, Face Trafficking Charges
According to the DCI, the three suspects arrested are Morine Imbaali, 43, the owner of the premises and the prime suspect; Barbara Okoyo, 24, Imbaali’s daughter, whom investigators suspect of recruiting the victims; and Alfred Okelo, 30, Okoyo’s husband, whom detectives suspect of maintaining the computer systems used in the alleged scheme. Investigators escorted the trio to Kasarani Police Station, where they remain in custody as police complete processing and move toward arraignment.
The DCI said prosecutors will charge the suspects with trafficking in persons under Section 3(1)(d), read with Section 3(5), of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act, No. 8 of 2010, along with other related offenses.
Separately, the DCI said officers were making arrangements to ensure the five rescued women receive shelter and support as they recover.
The agency added that the victims will be provided with safe, appropriate accommodation and comprehensive holistic assistance, including psychosocial counselling and medical care, to safeguard their safety and dignity and help them reintegrate successfully.
The agency cautioned job seekers to stay vigilant when responding to employment offers, especially opportunities promoted by unverified recruiters. It added that criminal networks continue to exploit vulnerable people through false promises of lucrative jobs.
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