By Andrew Kariuki

A 27 year old man accused of running a child trafficking and sexual exploitation network disguised as rescue centres has been arraigned before the Shanzu Law Courts following the rescue of 22 girls in Mombasa and Kilifi counties.

The suspect, identified as Almasi Rama Amos, was arrested during an intelligence-led operation conducted by detectives from the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit alongside officers from the Regional Criminal Investigations Office in Mombasa.

According to investigators, the operation followed weeks of surveillance and investigations into reports of abuse involving vulnerable young girls allegedly being housed in so-called rescue and mentorship centres.

Detectives traced the suspect to a residence in Nguu Tatu Estate within the Concordia area of Kisauni sub-county, where officers reportedly found him in the company of three juvenile girls.

Authorities say preliminary findings uncovered what they described as a disturbing scheme in which the suspect allegedly operated multiple rescue facilities in Mombasa and Kilifi while presenting himself as a mentor and caretaker for disadvantaged girls.

However, investigators believe the centres were allegedly being used to facilitate sexual exploitation and abuse of minors.

“Behind the facade, however, the centres were being used as grounds for sexual exploitation and abuse of minors,” the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) stated.

Police further revealed that after his arrest, the suspect led detectives to another facility in Ribe area within Rabai sub-county, where 19 additional girls were rescued, bringing the total number of victims recovered to 22.

The suspect was later presented before the Shanzu Law Courts where prosecutors charged him with several offences, including child trafficking for purposes of sexual exploitation, defilement, promotion of child trafficking and child abuse.

He denied all charges before court.

The court declined to release him on bond pending further proceedings. The matter is scheduled for mention on June 8, 2026.

Authorities say investigations into the alleged trafficking network remain ongoing.