DCI Rescues 22 Girls in Mombasa as Detectives Crack Child Trafficking Network

Kenya, May 22, 2026 - A 27-year-old man accused of running a child trafficking and sexual exploitation network disguised as rescue centres has been arraigned in Mombasa after detectives rescued 22 girls in a major crackdown targeting child abuse syndicates at the Coast.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspect, identified as Almasi Rama Amos, was arrested following weeks of intelligence-led investigations by officers from the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit (AHTCPU) and the Regional Criminal Investigations Office in Mombasa.

According to the DCI, detectives traced the suspect to a hideout in Nguu Tatu Estate in the Concordia area of Kisauni Sub-County, where he was allegedly found with three underage girls.

“Preliminary investigations have uncovered a disturbing scheme in which the suspect allegedly operates so-called ‘rescue centres’ across Mombasa and Kilifi counties under the pretence of nurturing and mentoring young girls,” the DCI said in a statement.

“Behind the facade, however, the centres were being used as grounds for sexual exploitation and abuse of minors,” the agency added.

Detectives later raided another facility in Ribe area, Rabai Sub-County, where 19 more girls were rescued, bringing the total number of victims rescued to 22.

The suspect appeared before the Shanzu Law Courts on Thursday facing multiple charges, including child trafficking for purposes of sexual exploitation, defilement, promotion of child trafficking and child abuse.

He denied the charges and was denied bond. The case will be mentioned on June 8.

The latest arrest shines a spotlight on the growing threat posed by human trafficking cartels operating along the Coast region and parts of North Eastern Kenya, where poverty, displacement, family breakdown and cross-border movement have made children vulnerable to exploitation.

Security agencies and child rights groups have previously warned that traffickers often lure desperate families with promises of education, jobs, religious mentorship or better living conditions before subjecting victims to abuse, forced labour or sexual exploitation.

The porous transport corridor linking Mombasa to neighbouring counties and routes stretching towards Garissa and the Somalia border has also complicated efforts to dismantle trafficking networks.

Authorities say criminal syndicates increasingly disguise their activities through informal children’s homes, religious centres and fake rehabilitation programmes to evade detection.

“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations remains committed to protecting children from exploitation, abuse, and trafficking, and individuals involved in such heinous crimes will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice,” the DCI said.