The BBC is standing by its investigation on child sexual exploitation in Kenya, despite the government branding it a "hoax." Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen described the documentary as "fake," claiming those interviewed were not underage but posing as children. The BBC clarified that the adult interviewees were recounting past abuses they suffered as minors.
The broadcaster emphasized its commitment to public interest journalism, stating that no contributors were paid or coached for their stories. They also pointed out that the investigation was shared with Kenyan police to ensure the protection of at-risk children.
In parliament, Mr. Murkomen defended Kenya's efforts to combat child trafficking, while Speaker Moses Wetang'ula criticized the documentary for tarnishing the nation's image. The BBC's documentary, which garnered over a million views on YouTube, reveals alarming accounts of girls as young as 13 being trafficked in Maai Mahiu, a hub for truckers.
One interviewee, Nyambura, highlighted the ease of exploiting these children, stating, "They're still children... it's easy to manipulate them by just handing them sweets." The probe identified both the traffickers and victims needing urgent help, leading to calls for a full investigation by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The BBC is worried that abuse survivors interviewed lacked legal representation during questioning by local investigators, however, no arrests have yet been made against the traffickers.
