The BBC has issued a robust defense of its investigation into child sexual exploitation in Kenya, which has come under fire from the government, labeling it as a "hoax." Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen criticized the documentary in Parliament, asserting that the interviewed individuals were not minors but posing as children. He described it as "fake" and suggested that the BBC had misled the public.
In response, the BBC clarified that those interviewed were, in fact, adults sharing their experiences of abuse they suffered as minors. The broadcaster emphasized the documentary's role in raising public awareness about the critical issue of child trafficking in Kenya.
Murkomen further alleged that the BBC had offered financial incentives to contributors, a claim the BBC disputed. They stated, "No contributors were paid, offered payment, or coerced in any manner." The broadcaster also highlighted that they had provided evidence of their findings to Kenyan authorities back in March and followed up to ensure the safety of at-risk children.
Despite the governmental criticism, Murkomen defended Kenya's commitment to safeguarding children, asserting that the authorities take cases of minor trafficking seriously. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula echoed these sentiments, condemning the documentary for allegedly tarnishing Kenya's image.
Released on August 4, the BBC’s documentary has garnered over one million views, uncovering alarming instances of underage girls, some as young as 13, being trafficked for sex in the bustling town of Maai Mahiu. The film featured interviews with two women, revealing the disturbing normalization of prostitution linked to the local trucker economy.
The investigation named multiple perpetrators and underscored urgent support needed for victims. Following the documentary, Kenyan authorities were urged to investigate the allegations, yet the women implicated remain at large, as officials claim they have not been located.
The BBC expressed concern that survivors who participated in the documentary were interrogated by investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations without any legal representation, affirming that none were involved in the undercover work of the documentary itself.
