LAMU, Kenya, Jan 28 – The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has scored a major victory in the fight against human trafficking after a Lamu court sentenced a woman to Sh30 million or 30 years’ imprisonment for trafficking a 16-year-old girl for exploitation.
Resident Magistrate Flavian Mulama found Diana Akinyi Simiyu guilty of trafficking in persons contrary to Section 3(1) and Section 3(5) of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act, 2010, following a prosecution that proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.
The prosecution, led by Ahmed Omar Mohamed, presented testimony from seven witnesses, detailing how Simiyu lured, transported, and harboured the minor from Thika to Mpeketoni, Lamu County, using deception and manipulation.
Court documents revealed that Simiyu targeted the teenager following family disagreements, promising her employment and a better life.
The accused coordinated the journey, provided pocket money, issued instructions to avoid detection, and ensured the minor travelled under a different name.
Hon. Mulama noted that Simiyu conceived and executed the plan, holding her fully responsible for the offence.
Simiyu had absconded while on bond and was convicted in absentia, with the court ordering her immediate arrest to serve the sentence.
The ruling underscores the ODPP’s commitment to combating human trafficking and sends a strong warning that perpetrators will be relentlessly pursued and prosecuted under Kenyan law.
