Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has sharply criticized the BBC Africa Eye documentary “Madams: Exposing Kenya’s Child Sex Trade”, accusing it of smearing the country’s image.
Released on August 4, 2025, the film spotlighted sex trafficking involving underage girls in Maai Mahiu, portraying how some as young as 13 are drawn into prostitution often by truck drivers stopping in the town. One woman featured in the documentary described sex work there as “a cash crop” that locals had come to accept.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Murkomen dismissed parts of the exposé, claiming some interviewees lied about their ages in exchange for a “promised sponsorship” from the BBC crew.
“Our investigations show that the journalists specifically sought out underage girls involved in sex work. However, several of the interviewees falsified their ages to fit that narrative,” Murkomen said.
“No arrests have been made so far. We are still pursuing leads, including tracing witnesses, reviewing call data, and examining financial records to establish any links.”
Murkomen further warned that police may take action against the journalists involved, accusing them of relying on misleading testimonies.
The National Police Service has launched an investigation into the allegations. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has instructed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to deliver a detailed report within seven days.
Despite government pushback, the documentary has stirred a national conversation about child exploitation in Kenya’s transport corridors.
