The BBC has defended its investigation into child sexual exploitation in Kenya, following fierce criticism from the government, which branded the documentary as a "hoax." Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen asserted in parliament that individuals interviewed in the documentary were not underage, claiming they were "posing as children." In response, the BBC clarified that those featured were adults sharing their experiences of abuse incurred during their youth, asserting that the documentary constitutes critical public interest journalism.
Adding to the controversy, Murkomen alleged that the BBC had offered financial incentives to participants. The BBC firmly refuted this claim, clarifying that no contributors received payment, and emphasized their commitment to ethical journalism by stating, "none of the contributors featured in this film were paid, offered payment or 'coached' in any way." It was also noted that evidence from the investigation had been provided to Kenyan police earlier this year, with follow-up requests to protect at-risk children.
In his parliamentary address, Murkomen defended the government’s efforts against child trafficking, asserting that the authorities treat such offenses with the utmost seriousness. Criticism also came from National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, who accused the documentary of intending to "besmirch" Kenya.
The BBC's investigation, released on August 4, has amassed over one million views on YouTube and highlights grave cases of underage girls, as young as 13, being trafficked for sexual exploitation in the town of Maai Mahiu. The film captured testimonies from women perpetrators who openly discussed manipulating vulnerable girls, stating, "They're still children, so it's easy to manipulate them by just handing them sweets." This troubling normalization of prostitution in Maai Mahiu is underscored as a significant issue fueled by truckers.
Furthermore, the BBC documented instances where the accused traffickers were directly identified, calling attention to the urgent need for intervention for the victims. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions subsequently urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to pursue inquiries into these troubling allegations. However, concerns were raised about the lack of legal representation for survivors during their interviews with investigators, reinforcing the need for careful handling of such sensitive cases.
Despite the serious allegations highlighted in the documentary, the two women implicated have not yet been apprehended, with government claims that they are still at large. The BBC’s commitment to shining a light on these issues continues, spurring a critical dialogue around child protection in Kenya.
