Nairobi, Kenya –Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has strongly criticized the BBC Africa Eye documentary “Madams: Exposing Kenya’s Child Sex Trade”, accusing it of tarnishing Kenya’s international image.
The documentary, released on August 4, 2025, investigated sex trafficking involving underage girls in Maai Mahiu town, revealing how girls as young as 13 were being lured into prostitution for money.
CS Murkomen Questions Documentary Credibility
Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Murkomen claimed the documentary was based on falsified testimonies. He alleged that some girls misrepresented their ages to qualify for what he called “promised sponsorship” from the BBC team.
“Our investigations have established that the BBC team primarily sought underage girls involved in sex work. However, some of the girls falsified their age to qualify for the promised sponsorship. No arrests have been made so far but investigations are ongoing, including analysis of financial records and call data to link these parties,” Murkomen stated.
He also revealed that law enforcement is now turning its attention to the journalists involved, warning that the police could take legal action against them.
Investigations Underway
Following the exposé, the National Police Service (NPS) began probing the claims, while the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) instructed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to conclude investigations within seven days.
Murkomen argued that the film failed to achieve its intended purpose, blaming “falsified information” from multiple interviewees.
Wider Implications for Human Rights and Journalism
While the BBC documentary sheds light on a deeply troubling issue, Murkomen’s remarks raise questions about the balance between investigative journalism and factual accuracy. The situation also underscores Kenya’s challenge in addressing sex trafficking while protecting the country’s reputation on the global stage.
For related stories on human trafficking and government responses, visit Sauce.co.ke’s Crime & Justice section and read about BBC Africa Eye investigations.
