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Diani Beach traders act to stop sexual exploitation of women

Ali Nassoro (L) is pictured with other traders at the Diani Beach on April 2, 2024. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

By Mishi Gongo | 03 Apr 2024

They have formed a team to protect women from sexual exploitation by people pretending to be swimming instructors.

Diani Beach traders have formed a team to manage the popular holiday destination to curb cases of the sexual exploitation of women by people posing as swimming instructors.

In an interview with The Eastleigh Voice, team chair Ali Nassoro noted that crime at the Diani shores is rampant and is scaring away both domestic and international tourists.

"We want to make the place secure so that more people come. If people cease to visit this place, our businesses will collapse," Nassoro said, following the launch on Wednesday.

Nassoro, also a trader at the beach, alleged the presence of a gang of young men who target local women, adding that many, including teenagers, have fallen victim to the criminals.

"They approach young ladies, especially outsiders, then pretend to want to teach them how to swim. Once they reach a place where the victim cannot stand on her feet, they start to ask for sexual favours, threatening to leave them on their own if they fail to cooperate," he said.

Stella Wangari, another trader in the area, said she once witnessed a girl's near-defilement by three men. She was rescued by police on patrol and the criminals fled, she said.

Another trader, Hamisi Bakuli, said the criminals also steal from beachgoers.

"These criminals, mostly young boys, also pretend to be visitors and rob unsuspecting people. They always approach visitors pretending to be friendly, then steal for them or attack them when darkness falls," he said.

Msambweni divisional police commander (OCPD), Francis Gachoki, said they teamed up with the locals to restore sanity at the shores, efforts that he said have already borne some fruit.

Gachoki urged the public to report cases of sexual abuse, noting that in March alone, they arrested at least 26 people linked to various crimes in the tourist destination.

"We are working round the clock to ensure we restore peace in Diani," he said, citing regular police patrols.