Police in Kisii and Kisumu county governments allegedly arrested more than 300 sex workers on December 10 and forced them to undergo HIV testing.
Peninah Mwangi, the Director of Bar Hostess Empowerment Support Programme (BHEP), told The Nairobain that the sex workers were arrested on the streets and in brothels. She claimed that those found positive after the tests were to be prosecuted for spreading sexually transmitted diseases.
“We have confirmed that more than 65 girls were tested against their will. We will sue the police, county government and even the judiciary because the girls were locked up for more than five days without any charges being preferred against them,” she said, adding that they will be seeking Sh10 million in damages.
Kisii County Chief Officer in charge of administration, Patrick Lumumba and Kisii Central Police Deputy OCS, Zamdan Mkonda, led the more than two-hour operation with Lumumba reportedly saying that, “It is unfortunate that girls below the age of 15 are engaging in prostitution. We are losing a generation because of this social vice.”