The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has charged a Mombasa-based human rights defender with trafficking two children for alleged sexual exploitation and other sexual offences.
Caleb Okumu Ngwena appeared before Shanzu Law Courts, where he was charged with two counts of trafficking in persons under Section 3(3) as read with Section 3(5) of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act.
According to the prosecution, Ngwena allegedly transferred two children, aged 17 and 16, from Mombasa County to Kiambu County for purposes of sexual exploitation.
DPP Charges Mombasa Human Rights Defender Over Alleged Child Trafficking. Photo: Courtesy.
The alleged incident occurred on the night of August 25 and 26, 2026, at Kiembeni Village in Kisauni Sub-County, Mombasa County.
Ngwena also faces a separate charge of defilement under Section 8(1) as read with Section 8(4) of the Sexual Offences Act. The alleged offence is said to have occurred on August 26, 2026, in Kiambu County.
He faces two additional counts of committing an indecent act with a child, contrary to Section 11(1) of the Sexual Offences Act.
Ngwena pleaded not guilty to all the charges before Resident Magistrate Vincent Odhiambo.
Through his lawyers, the accused applied to be released on reasonable bond terms.
The prosecution, led by Principal Prosecution Counsel Keya Ombele and Prosecution Counsel Orina Sagini, urged the court to consider the seriousness of the charges while determining the bond application.
The court subsequently granted Ngwena a bond of Ksh800,000 with one surety. Alternatively, he was granted cash bail of Ksh500,000 with one contact person.
The case will be mentioned on October 1, 2026, for pre-trial directions and fixing of hearing dates.
