Police uncover child trafficking operation, rescue 16 children in Kayole

A Kenyan and Tanzanian national have been arrested over claims of human trafficking in Kayole, Nairobi. [iStockphoto]

A Kenyan and Tanzanian national have been arrested over claims of human trafficking in Kayole, Nairobi.

Police arrested Isaac Mwanjega and Linet Akinyi in a house in Soweto where they were reportedly holding 16 children on the night of February 18.

The children who have since been rescued were aged between two and 16. They were 10 boys and six girls.

The report was booked at Soweto police station as trafficking and rescue of children.

According to police details, the children were being held in a two-roomed rental house before police were alerted.

Witnesses said they suspected that the children were being prepared for transit to an unknown destination since they had never been seen going to school.

Following the discovery and arrests, police have asked parents whose children have been missing to visit the station with necessary documents including birth certificates.

This police said will enable the parents to identify and reunite with their children.

Another organisation, Missing Child Kenya Foundation, while inviting parents to the station assured that the children are in a safe place.

The children were moved to another home to await further directives from the authorities.

“Directorate of Children's Services is currently undertaking a wellness assessment for the children and police are following due procedure on the matter,” the foundation said.

“Information on next steps shall be released to the public officially. In the meantime, parents of missing children can still present their matter at Kayole Police Station for ease of follow up.”