By Anderson Ojwang
Kisumu is emerging as a hotspot for various forms of child sexual abuse and exploitation, with growing concerns about the escalating number of incidents.
Investigations by Western Insight Newspaper revealed that in Kisumu Central Sub-county alone, 86 cases have been reported this year, with the actual number of unreported cases believed to be significantly higher. Similar cases are also on the rise in other sub-counties across the county.
The investigation identified Lolwe, Milimani, Nyamasaria, and Dunga estates as hotspots for rampant child sexual exploitation. A section of prominent personalities, businesspeople, and politicians are alleged to be involved in these activities, reportedly using their wealth and influence to evade justice when such cases are reported to the authorities.
These estates have a high concentration of AirBnB facilities, which have been identified as sites where such crimes are committed, often going unnoticed and unpunished.
Acting Kisumu City Manager, Mr Abala Wanga, confirmed the prevalence of the vice, attributing its rise partly to unregulated AirBnB operations in the city. “I banned the business of AirBnBs and wanted them registered afresh. But the provincial administration is not helping much in cracking down on this vice. We must close, control, and regulate these AirBnB businesses to protect our children from sexual exploitation,” he said.
Mr Wanga expressed his commitment to tackling the issue and called on members of the public and the provincial administration to support efforts to curb the increasing child sexual exploitation associated with AirBnBs in Kisumu. He noted that many AirBnBs were being used by criminals as safe havens.
The investigation also revealed that both physical and online sexual abuse and exploitation of children are rampant in the city and on the rise.
Child protection organisations in the region disclosed that online child sexual live streaming has become a booming business in Kisumu, with perpetrators targeting vulnerable children using cheap inducements.
“Some of these people give their victims Sh2,000 for nude photos, while others are given freebies, phones, or taken on treats after exposing themselves in live-streamed shows beamed to potential clients in Europe and other parts of the world,” a source confided.
The organisations noted that the business is so lucrative that perpetrators often use children to recruit and groom others into the practice.
Most of the victims are from the slums of Obunga, Nyalenda, and Manyatta, as well as middle-class areas such as Migosi, Mamboleo, and Tom Mboya.
“When children come forward to complain, they are often blackmailed, which can lead to depression, suicidal thoughts, or withdrawal. The police demand hard evidence, and it’s becoming difficult to rely solely on the children’s word. This makes obtaining justice extremely challenging,” another source explained, requesting anonymity for security reasons.
The investigation also found that children’s homes and street children have become primary targets for sexual exploitation. In one case, a Kisumu businessman allegedly sexually exploits street children whom he employs in his premises.
“These children told us that after work, they watch pornographic content with their master on his laptop, and he then sexually abuses them. This has become a common routine,” revealed a source.
Additionally, some clubs in Kisumu have reportedly become dens for child sexual exploitation, a practice that appears to be growing.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathews Owili condemned the situation and pledged action. “This is a sad situation that must be contained. We cannot allow this to go on unchecked. We are going to do something, definitely,” he said.
