Seven Lunga Lunga children’s homes to be closed over child trafficking allegations

Seven children’s homes in Lunga Lunga are set to be closed over allegations of involvement in child trafficking, Kwale High Court Judge Lepares Naikuni has said.

The judge revealed that the facilities have been operating without registration and suggested that they be shut down immediately.

Justice Naikuni questioned the motive behind running unregistered homes, suggesting that the lack of compliance was deliberate.

“Why would anyone maintain an unregistered children’s home unless they are engaged in unlawful practices? We believe some are taking children abroad without consent for illegal activities,” he said.

He emphasised that the government would not allow exploitation of minors, noting that Vanga remains one of the areas with the highest reports of violence against children.

He warned that anyone involved in trafficking or abuse would face severe legal consequences.

The judge delivered the remarks at Tsuini Primary School in Lunga Lunga Sub-county during an open day organised by the Msambweni Law Court and the Court Users’ Committee.

The event marked the close of the court’s service month and the start of the national 16 Days of Activism campaign, which this year focuses on securing justice for every child through stronger multi-agency action and increased funding to tackle abuse.

Justice Naikuni said a recent inspection at Migingo Prison revealed that nearly half of the inmates were young people serving sentences for sexual offences, including defilement, incest and rape. He added that early marriages continue to appear in court files, warning that those responsible for impregnating minors would be prosecuted without leniency.

He also raised concern about the rise in juvenile gangs, saying many of the cases stem from parental neglect. “Fifty per cent of the young offenders in prison are panga boys. Parents must take responsibility to prevent such outcomes,” he said.

The judge further noted that mobile courts have been introduced in Kinango and Lunga Lunga to help residents in remote areas access justice.

Msambweni Head of Station and Principal Magistrate Leah Kabaria urged locals to stop resolving child-related cases through informal kangaroo courts, saying such practices silence victims and deny justice. She said that despite awareness efforts, many incidents remain unreported and are instead handled privately by community elders.

According to court data, Msambweni Law Court recorded 72 cases of sexual violence against children in 2024, along with 27 cases of minors displaced due to early marriage or early pregnancy. In 2025, 52 cases of sexual violence and 24 displacement cases were documented.

Other Topics To Read

• Coast
• child trafficking kenya
• child trafficking
• child traffickers
• Seven Lunga Lunga children’s homes to be closed over child trafficking allegations
• Headlines