This archive report was first published on 10 December 2019.
December 10, 2019, marked a significant day in the fight against human trafficking in Kenya as a lawsuit was filed against the government for allegedly failing to protect five Nepalese women who were trafficked into the country for sexual exploitation.
According to Awareness Against Human Trafficking (HAART), the government's failure to provide appropriate care for the women has led to severe psychological harm, with some even becoming suicidal.
“After four months, the victims just want to go home. They have become deeply traumatized and suicidal. Some have been hospitalized and we have filed a complaint against the government so that all victims of trafficking are not compelled to testify, and the government pays for their speedy and safe repatriation,” Sophie Otiende, program consultant for HAART Kenya, told Reuters.
The victims were rescued from a bar in Nairobi in August and have been allegedly forced to testify against the traffickers, causing them significant psychological harm.
HAART is seeking compensation of up to Ksh. 1.3 million from the government for failing in their responsibility to protect the women.
However, Elizabeth Mbuka, the Head of the Counter Trafficking in Persons Secretariat, refuted the claims, stating that no request for funds had been received from HAART and that the government would have considered it if approached.
She also added that a court order for the repatriation of the Nepalese women and their Indian counterparts had been given.
