A 27-year-old man has been arraigned in court for allegedly running a child trafficking and sexual exploitation ring disguised as “rescue centres” in Mombasa and Kilifi counties.

Almasi Rama Amos was presented before the Shanzu Law Courts on Thursday after detectives from the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit (AHTCPU) and the Regional Criminal Investigations Office (RCIO) in Mombasa, arrested him following weeks of intelligence-led investigations.

“A 27-year-old suspect linked to an alleged child trafficking and sexual exploitation ring has been arraigned before the Shanzu Law Courts following an intelligence-led operation by detectives in Mombasa County,” DCI announced.

According to the DCI, detectives trailed the suspect to his hideout in Nguu Tatu Estate, Concordia area in Kisauni Sub-County, where he was found in the company of three female juveniles.

He later led officers to a facility in Ribe, Rabai Sub-County, where 19 more girls were rescued, bringing the total number of rescued victims to 22.

Preliminary investigations suggest Amos operated several fake rescue centres across Mombasa and Kilifi counties, ostensibly to nurture and mentor vulnerable young girls. Instead, the facilities were allegedly used as grounds for the sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.

He faces multiple charges, including defilement, child trafficking for purposes of sexual exploitation, promotion of child trafficking, and child abuse, among others.

Amos pleaded not guilty to the charges and was denied bond. The case was scheduled for mention on June 8, 2026.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reiterated its commitment to protecting children from exploitation, stating that those involved in such crimes will be pursued and brought to justice.