A midle aged woman in Lamu has been fined Ksh30 million or face 30 years in prison after being found guilty for traficking a 16-year-old girl.
In a statement, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said the woman was given the sentence by the Lamu Law Courts
“Resident Magistrate Hon. Flavian Mulama found Diana Akinyi Simiyu guilty of trafficking in persons contrary to Section 3(1) as read with Section 3(5) of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act, 2010, after the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt,” ODPP stated.
According to the ODPP, compelling evidence from seven witnesses demonstrated how Simiyu deliberately lured, transported, and harboured the minor from Thika to Mpeketoni, Lamu County, using deception and manipulation.
The court heard that the accused exploited the teenager’s vulnerability following family disagreements, promising her employment and a better life.
Simiyu coordinated every stage of the journey, provided pocket money, issued strict instructions to avoid detection, and ensured the minor travelled under a different name.
In a firm rebuke of the offence, Mulama ruled that the accused conceived and executed the plan to traffic the child, noting that the evidence overwhelmingly pointed to her sole responsibility.
However, Simiyu absconded while on bond and was convicted in absentia, with the court ordering her immediate arrest to serve the sentence.
“The judgment sends a strong warning that traffickers will be relentlessly pursued and held fully accountable under the law,” ODPP added.
Also Read: ODPP Secures Arrest Warrant for British National Linked to Agnes Wanjiru Murder
