The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has secured a landmark conviction in a child trafficking case after a Lamu court sentenced a middle-aged woman to a fine of Sh30 million or 30 years’ imprisonment for trafficking a 16-year-old girl for exploitation.
In a judgment delivered by Resident Magistrate Flavian Mulama, Diana Akinyi Simiyu was found guilty of trafficking in persons contrary to Section 3(1) as read with Section 3(5) of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act, 2010.
The court ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The case was prosecuted by Prosecution Counsel Ahmed Omar Mohamed, who presented evidence from seven witnesses detailing how the accused deliberately lured, transported and harboured the minor from Thika to Mpeketoni in Lamu County through deception and manipulation.
According to court records, Simiyu took advantage of the teenager’s vulnerability following family disagreements.
She promised the minor employment and a better life, assurances that the court heard were used to gain her trust and cooperation.
Simiyu allegedly coordinated every stage of the journey, provided pocket money, and issued strict instructions to the girl to avoid detection during travel.
The court further heard that the accused ensured the minor travelled under a different name, a move the magistrate said demonstrated clear intent to conceal the offence.
In his ruling, Mulama stated that the accused “conceived and executed the plan” to traffic the child, adding that the evidence overwhelmingly pointed to her sole responsibility.
“This was a well-orchestrated scheme targeting a vulnerable child, and the accused played a central and controlling role from beginning to end,” the magistrate said in his judgment.
However, the court noted that Simiyu absconded while out on bond before the conclusion of the trial. She was consequently convicted in absentia, with the court ordering her immediate arrest to serve the sentence.
The ODPP welcomed the conviction, terming it a significant milestone in the fight against human trafficking and the exploitation of children.
The judgement sends a strong warning that traffickers will be relentlessly pursued and held fully accountable under the law, regardless of attempts to evade justice.
Authorities have since launched efforts to trace and arrest the convict to ensure enforcement of the sentence.
