Mombasa human rights defender charged with trafficking, sexual offences against minors
Caleb Ngwena appeared before the Shanzu Law Courts and was charged before Resident Magistrate V.O. Odhiambo.
NAIROBI, Kenya – The Director of Public Prosecutions has officially charged a Mombasa human rights defender with trafficking two children for sexual exploitation, defilement, and committing indecent acts against minors. Caleb Ngwena faced the Shanzu Law Courts, where he was charged by Resident Magistrate V.O. Odhiambo. Ngwena now stands accused of two counts of trafficking in persons under the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act, as well as a separate charge of defilement under the Sexual Offences Act.
The prosecution claims Ngwena transferred the two children, aged 17 and 16, from Mombasa County to Kiambu County on August 25 and 26, 2026, with the intent of sexually exploiting them. Additionally, Ngwena faces two counts of committing indecent acts with a child, again under the Sexual Offences Act. Ngwena pleaded not guilty to all charges, with his lawyers seeking a reasonable bond.
The prosecution, however, requested a bond of Sh800,000 with one surety or alternatively, Sh500,000 in cash bail with a contact person. The court granted the bond and set a date for pre-trial directions, aiming to fix hearing dates on October 1, 2026. The charges remain allegations, and Ngwena is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
