Authorities in Mombasa have arrested two individuals in a harrowing case of child exploitation that has sparked renewed concerns over the use of digital platforms to prey on minors. Detectives from the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit (AHTCPU) apprehended 41-year-old Regina Munyoki and 52-year-old Isaiah Owala in the Changamwe area following intelligence reports of sexual exploitation involving minors.

Munyoki is accused of using the dating platform AfroIntroductions, operated by Cupid Media, to advertise her own children—aged 13, 7, and 4—for sexual exploitation. Investigations further revealed that her husband had been sexually abusing their eldest daughter since she was eleven.

The suspects were arraigned before the Mombasa Law Courts, where Munyoki was released on a Ksh.1 million bond, with two sureties of the same amount. Owala’s bond application was deferred, and he was remanded at Shanzu Prisons pending a court ruling set for Tuesday, July 15.

This case underscores the increasing threat of online child sexual exploitation, with findings by the National Council for Children’s Services showing that many children are reluctant or unable to report online abuse.

Kenya is a member of WePROTECT Global Alliance, a worldwide initiative committed to ending child sexual exploitation and abuse online. The Kenyan Constitution, under Article 53, guarantees every child’s right to protection from abuse, neglect, and harmful practices. Further safeguards are enshrined in the Sexual Offences Act, which criminalizes defilement and prescribes penalties including life imprisonment for offenders.

This tragic case serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for vigilance, parental guidance, and stronger digital safety protocols to safeguard children in an increasingly connected world.

If you suspect child abuse or exploitation, contact local authorities or the Child Helpline 116 immediately.