Three suspects have been arrested after detectives uncovered a suspected online sexual exploitation operation in Mihang’o, Embakasi East Constituency, Nairobi County, where five women were rescued from confinement.
In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said detectives from the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) conducted the operation after acting on actionable intelligence that pointed to a suspected trafficking and exploitation network operating from a residential house in the area.
According to preliminary investigations, the five women had allegedly been lured to Nairobi with promises of well-paying employment opportunities. However, upon arrival, they were reportedly confined in two bedrooms and forced to produce online sexual content for commercial exploitation.
During the raid, detectives searched the premises and recovered several items believed to have been used to facilitate the illegal activities. The recovered exhibits were documented as part of the ongoing investigations.
The three suspects arrested are Morine Imbaali, 43, who is believed to own the premises and is considered the principal suspect; Barbara Okoyo, 24, the daughter of the main suspect, who investigators believe recruited the victims; and Alfred Okelo, 30, Barbara’s husband, who is suspected of maintaining the computer systems allegedly used in the operation.
The suspects were taken to Kasarani Police Station, where they remain in custody awaiting processing and arraignment.
Police said they are expected to face charges of trafficking in persons contrary to Section 3(1)(d), as read together with Section 3(5), of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act, alongside other related offences.
Meanwhile, authorities have initiated arrangements to relocate the rescued women to a safe shelter, where they will receive psychosocial counselling, medical care and other support services aimed at facilitating their recovery and reintegration.
The DCI has urged job seekers to exercise caution when responding to employment offers, particularly those from unverified recruiters, warning that criminal syndicates continue to exploit vulnerable individuals through fake job opportunities.
The agency also appealed to members of the public to report suspected cases of human trafficking and other crimes through its confidential toll-free hotline or WhatsApp reporting channels.
