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Tag: Maai Mahiu

  • Police launch probe into child exploitation in Maai Mahiu after exposé

    Police launch probe into child exploitation in Maai Mahiu after exposé

    The National Police Service (NPS) has launched an investigation into alleged child sexual exploitation in Maai Mahiu, Nakuru County, following disturbing revelations aired in a BBC Africa Eye documentary titled “Madams: Exposing Kenya’s Child Sex Trade.”

    In response to the documentary, a multi- agency team comprising specialized officers from the Anti- Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit(AHTCPU) has been dispatched to the area. According to the NPS, statements have already been recorded from three individuals of interest, which immediate action has been taken to identify, rescue and support affected children.

    “These are urgent and grave matters and we are treating them with the seriousness they deserve,” the NPS said in a statement issued on 6th August 2025.

    The operation is being spearheaded by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), operating under Article 53(1) of the Constitution and Section 8 of the Children Act (2022). The DCI has pledged a comprehensive probe into all cases of child trafficking, sexual exploitation, and related offenses.

    “Our commitment is to guarantee that every child grows up safely and has the opportunity to thrive. We must reaffirm this fundamental tenet: our children are our future,” the statement added.

    The police also addressed the issue of online child sexual exploitation, noting that Kenya has established a dedicated forensic cybercrime unit. This unit -the first of its kind in Africa -is linked directly to INTERPOL’S International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) database. Staffed by cybercrime experts, it works closely with the International Victim Identification Network (VIN) to track and rescue children depicted in exploitative online content.

    The NPS is calling on the public to support ongoing investigations, urging anyone with information to report to the nearest police station, a law enforcement officer, or through confidential toll-free lines: 999, 112, or the FichuakwaDCI platform.

    The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children and ensuring perpetrators of exploitation are brought to justice.

  • Gov’t sets aside Ksh300M to rebuild homes for Maai Mahiu flood victims

    Gov’t sets aside Ksh300M to rebuild homes for Maai Mahiu flood victims

    The government has set aside Ksh300 million to rebuild homes for families displaced by floods.

    Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the government is also working on resettling the affected families elsewhere.

    “We will assist the displaced families to rebuild their lives. It is a difficult situation and as the Government we must support them. I assure you that we will walk with you in this journey,” said  Gachagua.

    The DP spoke on Thursday when he joined thousands of mourners in an emotional memorial service for 61 victims of the Maai-Mahiu flooding tragedy at Mo Gas Grounds, in the outskirts of Maai-Mahiu, Nakuru County.

    Gachagua also highlighted the directives and actions taken by the government to address the flooding crisis caused by enhanced rains pounding the country.

    “We have agreed with Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Roads Kipchumba Murkomen that Maai-Mahiu -Kijabe road will be graded and apply good gravel of right standards so that residents can start using it. The Kenya Defence Forces and the National Youth Service personnel deployed by the President in this area and their equipment will continue to stay, to open up the roads and restore the damaged bridges,” said Gachagua.

    Gachagua further directed the Cabinet Secretary for Water Zachary Njeru to ensure Maai-Mahiu town gets connected to clean and safe water.

    The Deputy President also delivered President William Ruto’s message of condolence and comfort to the families.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this tough times. We are actively coordinating relief efforts to alleviate the loss of livelihoods. Let us pray for those affected by the flooding,” said President Ruto in the condolence message.

    The victims were killed in a deluge after an overflowing reservoir located at the Old Kijabe Railway tunnel wiped out a swathe of houses in Kamuchiri village near Maai-Mahiu town.

    Several others are missing and a military-led search exercise is ongoing.

    Political leaders led by Nakuru governor Susan Kihika and the area MP Jayne Kihara lauded the Deputy President for leading government’s response to the communities devastated by floods and landslides.

    The DP was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries, Governors, Senators and more than 40 members of parliament from various parts of the country.

  • Gachagua to attend funeral service for Maai Mahiu flood victims

    Gachagua to attend funeral service for Maai Mahiu flood victims

    Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is set to attend a joint funeral service for the victims of Maai Mahiu floods at Mo Gas Grounds in Maai Mahiu, Nakuru County.

    The flooding tragedy resulted in the loss of 58 lives, with 52 others sustaining injuries during the incident which occurred on April 29, 2024.

    A total of 257 deaths have been reported as the raging floods wreak havoc in various parts of the country.

    On Wednesday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura announced that search and rescue operations are ongoing nationwide to relocate affected individuals.

    To prevent further crises, Mwaura stated that evacuation exercises are being undertaken countrywide following the 24-hour evacuation notice issues by the government on May 2.

    “The flooding situation persists in most parts of the country, with the latest weather forecast indicating that heavy rainfall and thunderstorm will continue in 31 counties,” he said.

    The affected regions include Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley Central and the Eastern regions.

    Occasional rainfall is forecasted in Nairobi and along the Coast region, affecting the Tana River, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Lamu counties.