Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and Nakuru County Commissioner Dr Lyford Kibaara have provided differing statements regarding claims of child sexual exploitation in Maai Mahiu, Nakuru County, as revealed by a BBC investigation.

During a press conference this morning outside her office, the governor confirmed the investigation and stated that inquiries are ongoing to gather more information on the issue. She urged the community to remain alert and to inform the appropriate authorities about such incidents.

“Everyone has a role to play in such cases; we should not leave it to the police and social workers only,” she said.

The governor stated that if the security officials were notified and failed to act, the Inspector General must respond promptly. She also encouraged the investigation team to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and avoid presenting half-baked information.

“We are ashamed, as this has taken place in our county. We want to take responsibility—both government institutions and security apparatus,” Kihika said.

The governor promised that no one would be shielded from accountability if found guilty; all participants must answer to the law.

Shortly after the governor’s press conference, Nakuru County Commissioner Dr Lyford Kibaara called another briefing that contradicted the governor’s earlier statements, indicating that there had been no reports of child sexual exploitation made at the Maai Mahiu Police Station in the past year.

“We have analysed the whole exposé and found out that it was meant to tarnish the name of the government,” Kibaara said.

The commissioner described the exposé as merely an alarming documentary. He mentioned that the police had already called in five women featured in the documentary and taken their statements. Three additional suspects shown in the documentary have fled but are currently being tracked down.

Although he acknowledged the presence of commercial sex activities in Maai Mahiu, he stated that they had conducted a thorough check and confirmed that all individuals involved are at least 18 years old.

“The concept of any child below 18 years engaging in sexual matters in Maai Mahiu and in this county is not there,” Kibaara said.

– By Daniel Kipchumba