Kihika sets up a seven-member committee to probe Maai Mahiu child sex trafficking scandal
Governor Susan Kihika claps back at former DP Rigathi Gachagua for dragging her husband into political matters on July 23 during the launch of Taifa care at Nyayo Garden.
A seven-member committee has been formed to investigate and address claims of child sex trafficking in Maai Mahiu.
During a press briefing on Friday, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika said that the committee would work alongside national government officials to gather information and present their findings in a report next month.
“The committee’s mandate is to work with national government officials to gather detailed information on the extent of child exploitation and identify its root causes. They will also engage with stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions and submit a comprehensive report by September 5, 2025,” she says.
The committee members are County Executive Committee Member (CEC) for Health Roselyn Mungai (Chair), CEC for Education Zipporah Ngugi, Chief Officer (CO) for Gender Gladys Kamuren, CO for Public Health Joyce Ncece, CO for Lands and Physical Planning Stella Mwaura, Maureen Litunda from the County Legal Department and Director Public Health Elizabeth Kiptoo (secretary).
"We know that this is not an isolated incident in Maai Mahiu, as the investigations so far have revealed. Thus, the committee will also cover suspected hotspots, including Kikopey, Salgaa, Total, Longonot and other areas along the northern corridor," Ms Kihika says.
According to the governor, the exposed crimes are heinous and criminal, and will not be tolerated, excused or ignored.
She is calling for accountability at every level, from families and communities to leadership, stressing that the ongoing investigations must lead to prosecutions and a clear commitment to deterrence.
"When the investigations are complete, the Director of Public Prosecutions must ensure that those who committed these offences are prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This should not be happening while we have our heads in the sand," she says.
“Ending child exploitation is a permanent priority for my administration. The committee will utilise the resources and mechanisms available across all departments to prevent such abuse before it occurs,” she says.
The child trafficking claims in Maai Mahiu were brought to light by a BBC exposé aired on August 4, 2025, which revealed a thriving child sex trade involving girls aged between 12 and 16 years along the busy northern corridor.