Police in Kisii are probing a disturbing case after two men were arrested while staying in a local hotel with ten minors under suspicious circumstances.
Kisii County Police Commander Charles Kases confirmed the Monday arrest, saying the children, aged between seven and ten, were allegedly being housed at the facility by the two men.
The suspects reportedly claimed the youngsters, who had travelled from Marsabit, were beneficiaries of a scholarship program linked to Eberege SDA Church in Kenyenya Sub-County. However, police say the movement of the children did not follow the proper legal channels.
“We have already reached out to leaders from Marsabit, and it is clear that due process was not followed. The children’s department is now ensuring the minors’ safety, including subjecting them to medical checks,” Kases told reporters.
A hotel cleaner, Teresa Bonareri, revealed that the suspects—described as frequent customers—checked in on Wednesday, while the children quietly joined them the following night.
But in a shocking twist, Pastor James Ondabu, the South East Kenya Field President of the SDA Church, denied any knowledge of such a sponsorship program and warned against misusing the church’s name for questionable activities.
Police are still piecing together the puzzle: Were the children victims of trafficking, or was it a case of mistaken identity cloaked under a false scholarship claim?
