As cases of COVID-19 continue to
rise in the country, most parents have resorted to online learning for their
children. This came after President Uhuru gave a directive to shut down all
learning institutions to curb the pandemic's spread.
However, parents have now been
warned of an ongoing trend where perpetrators are using online learning to
exploit children.
On Tuesday, June 2, the Directorate
of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said there were four reported cases of
perpetrators luring kids online and exploiting them.
"The perpetrators of these
offences have taken advantage of the online learning in schools and learning
institutions where children are undergoing zoom classes and other digital
learning programs to lure children for exploitation," stated the DCI.
In the four reported cases, DCI says
the perpetrators send direct messages to children and compliment them on their
looks. After gaining their trust, the perpetrators then ask for nude photos
among 'other despicable acts.'
The DCI has called upon Kenyans to
report such offences against kids through the Child Protection Unit by using a
toll-free line 116 or report any incident to the nearest police station.
Parents who have faced such
incidents were also urged to come forward and give out information on the
perpetrators to enable the DCI to catch them.
"We appeal to the affected
parents not to withhold such information but urge them to where possible
furnish our officers with details of the perpetrators such as the user names,
phone numbers, email and social media accounts that have been in contact with
their children," urged the DCI.
The DCI further appealed to parents
and guardians to always monitor what content their children access when using
the internet.
"Most of what they access
online would not only be harmful and detrimental to their lives but could lead
to dire consequences such as kidnappings, defilement, or even death,
"warned the DCI.