DCI Issues Apology for Confusion Over Child Trafficking Suspect's Arrest

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has apologised for confusion arising from its social media posts concerning the arrest of a suspected child trafficker, Enock Peterson Mwangi alias Mwamburi.

In a clarification issued on Saturday, October 10, the agency addressed concerns raised by members of the public following its posts published on September 4 and October 8 which appeared to suggest that the suspect had been arrested twice.

The DCI explained that both posts related to the same case and that the suspect had neither been released nor re-arrested, contrary to suggestions circulating among members of the public.

"The Directorate wishes to clarify that the two posts relate to the same case and do not represent two separate arrests. The suspect was not released and subsequently re-arrested, as has been suggested," the statement read.

The DCI stated that the October 8 post was intended to provide an update on additional investigative activities in the case, particularly a search conducted at a house associated with the suspect.

The DCI acknowledged that the wording of the October 8 communication had inadvertently created the impression that the suspect had been arrested for a second time.

"The October 8 post was intended to highlight further investigative activity in the same case, particularly a search conducted at a house associated with the suspect and the recovery of various items, including children's clothing and other baby essentials. However, the wording inadvertently gave the impression that the suspect had been arrested again," the statement added.

The DCI confirmed that Mwangi remained in custody and was expected to be arraigned in court on Monday, October 12, as investigators continued pursuing the case.

The clarification sought to address public concerns over the handling of the investigation and the apparent discrepancy between the two updates.

"The DCI regrets the confusion caused and appreciates members of the public for their vigilance and concern for the safety and protection of children. 

"Investigations into the matter are ongoing, and the DCI remains committed to pursuing justice in accordance with the law," the statement concluded.

The 62-year-old man was arrested over suspected child trafficking and defilement after rescuing four children from a bedsitter in Korompoi Trading Centre, Isinya.

In a statement, the DCI said the arrest followed intelligence that led officers to the room, where they found the suspect in the company of the four children.

"Police officers in Kajiado County have arrested a 62-year-old man over suspected child trafficking and defilement, after intelligence led officers to a bedsitter in Korompoi Trading Centre, Isinya," the statement read.

The suspect found with four children aged 17, 16, five and one year and four months.

The discovery prompted detectives to investigate how the children ended up in the suspect's custody, with officers subsequently searching a house associated with him in Mashuuru Township.

"The discovery immediately triggered deeper investigations into the circumstances under which the children came to be in his custody.

"A subsequent search of a house associated with the suspect in Mashuuru Township yielded a cache of items that have raised further questions," the statement added.

According to the DCI, detectives recovered several bags containing children's clothes of different sizes and for both sexes, ranging from newborn to teenage wear.

The items also included baby shawls, blankets, a baby carrier and baby shoes of different sizes. Officers further found several adult male clothes, ranging from size 34 to 54, neatly arranged on clothes hangers.

The search also uncovered six mattresses, empty diaper carrier bags, duvets, pillows and assorted foodstuffs, among other items.