BBC Stands Firm on Child Trafficking Documentary Amid Government Criticism

Tue Oct 21 2025 23:27:38 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

**BBC Stands Firm on Child Trafficking Documentary Amid Government Criticism**

The broadcaster rebuts claims of hoax as Kenyan officials challenge the legitimacy of an investigation.

The BBC maintains its investigation into child exploitation in Kenya is crucial, countering government assertions that it is fraudulent.

The BBC has reaffirmed its commitment to a recent investigation into child sex trafficking in Kenya, directly responding to claims by government officials that the documentary was a "hoax." During parliamentary debates, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen asserted the documentary was "fake," alleging that the individuals interviewed were adults pretending to be underage victims. The BBC, however, clarified that the documentary was made with adults recounting their experiences of abuse occurring when they were minors.

Murkomen's accusations included allegations that the BBC offered financial incentives to the contributors, a statement the broadcaster firmly denied. According to the BBC, none of those featured in the documentary received any payments or were coached during their testimonies. They emphasized the documentary as being in the public's interest and stated that evidence from the investigation was submitted to Kenyan police back in March. The BBC reported they followed up multiple times to ensure the protection of children at risk, showing footage of the accused to authorities as early as April.

Mr. Murkomen defended the Kenyan government's position on addressing child trafficking, claiming that the government takes such matters seriously. However, he, along with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, criticized the documentary, suggesting its intent was to tarnish Kenya's image. The BBC's report focuses on the alarming conditions in Maai Mahiu, a transit town where young girls as young as 13 were found to be trafficked for sex.

In the film, two women openly admitted to facilitating sex trafficking, with one describing the manipulation of minors with sweets and noting that such arrangements had become normalized. The investigation prompted a directive from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for a thorough investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. Concerns were raised by the BBC regarding the lack of legal representation for the interviewees during police questioning.

Despite serious revelations, the two women implicated in the trafficking have yet to be apprehended, a situation that Murkomen noted has hampered effective law enforcement actions. The documentary's impact is significant, with over one million views on YouTube, highlighting the urgent need for attention and action against child exploitation in the region.