Francis Mureithi
8 February 2008
Nairobi — At least 30 children who had disappeared from a camp for the displaced people at Nakuru showground have been found and returned, a charity official has said.
The children, among them boys and girls aged between 13 and 17 years, were lured out of the camp by unknown people. Teenage girls at the camp have fallen prey to some "well wishers" who lure them with the promise of jobs only to exploit them sexually. Kenya Red Cross Nakuru branch chairman Pascal Mbeche said measures had been taken to step up security at the main gate.
"These camps are not shopping grounds for house girls or shamba boys, and visitors coming here with such motives should keep away as they are of little help to people who are already suffering," said Mr Mbeche. The official, who was speaking at his office, said that at least 11 girls who had fallen prey to the schemers were in police custody. Camp manager Jesses Njoroge said that police were investigating the circumstances under which the children left the camp. But he did not say whether any suspects had been arrested in connection with the disappearance of the children.
A mother of eight from Mogotio told of how two women approached her at the camp and sought her help to get househelps. Ms Joyce Njeri said they wanted to take one of her daughters but she refused as she wanted her child to continue with education. The girl has since been admitted to a primary school in the town.
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