In Summary
- Five ladies under the age of 20 were also arrested.
- Those arrested are expected to face charges related to engaging in and facilitating prostitution.
Thika residents are in shock after a 67 year old grandmother was among 29 people arrested for allegedly engaging in sex work.
The arrests took place in McGeorge area following a police crackdown after a number of complaints from area locals about increasing prostitution activities.
The elderly woman was detained alongside several other women, including five young ladies under the age of 20.
The operation was confirmed by Kiambu Police Commander Michael Muchiri, who highlighted the concerns raised by area residents about the escalating issue.
“wote tulikamata watafikishwa mahakamani kujibu mashtaka ya kufanya ukahaba,”
He assured residents that they will continue with the crackdown till the practice subsides further announcing that those arrested will be taken to court.
Recently there was storm at the Nairobi County assembly after members of County assembly( MCA’s) were divided on whether or not to arrest Sex workers.
while sections 153 and 154 of the penal code ban men and women from engaging in prostitution, some MCA’s have criticized the police and county askaris (Kanjos) for harassing, arresting and beating sex workers.
MCA Defends Sex workers
Nairobi South Member of County Assembly Waithera Chege lamented that sex workers in Nairobi were living in fear as they were being beaten and threatened by Kanjos..
According to Wiathera, the 2010 constitution grants freedom to every citizen, calling on Kanjos to ensure that they are adhering to the Nairobi City Inspectorate Service Act 2017.
“The 2010 constitution grants citizens freedom. There are increased cases of arrest, extortion, and harassment of commercial sex workers at night in the city by Kanjos. This is an infringement of their rights and fundamental freedom” Waithera said in a statement.
But her sentiments were opposed by Justice and legal affairs committee (JLAC) Chairman Jared Akama who was directed by the County assembly speaker to investigate the matter saying that commercial sex workers are not legalized in the country.
“Commercial sex workers is an illegal business according to the constitution. The committee cannot investigate something that is against the law.” he said.
