Hospital staff nabbed in connection with possible child trafficking scheme

Police in Eldoret have uncovered a child trafficking network involving employees of private hospitals collaborating with traffickers to obtain fake birth notifications for acquiring birth certificates, ultimately facilitating the transportation of stolen children.

In a related development, three middle-aged women, including two hospital employees, have been arrested in connection with the syndicate and charged with child trafficking offenses.

The accused, Brenda Cheptoo, Rael Nyaboke, and Clanca Njeri, appeared before Eldoret Senior Resident Magistrate Barnabsa Kiptoo and were accused of trafficking four children aged between 7 months and 5 years.

During their court appearance, the prosecution requested more time to complete investigations into the alleged child trafficking scam linked to the three women, thus they were not allowed to enter a plea.

Arrested in Eldoret town four days ago by police officers attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the suspects were detained at Naiberi police station in Ainabkoi sub-county, Uasin Gishu County.

Court documents reveal that the first and second accused are employees of Eldoret-based Fountain Health Care Hospital, while the third accused is an accomplice in the child trafficking scheme.

The investigating officer, Inspector Joyce Thunge, informed the court that the suspects might interfere with investigations if released and are also flight risks.

Ms. Thunge disclosed that Ms. Cheptoo, the prime suspect, oversees hospital records, while Nyaboke works as a nutritionist at the facility. Detectives intend to conduct DNA tests on the four children to determine their biological parents.

The prosecution is yet to record statements from key witnesses, and the court was informed that the accused failed to produce documentary evidence proving their maternity claims.

Despite one of the accused initially claiming to be the mother of two children and the other claiming to be the mother of two others, they were unable to provide supporting documentation.

The court ordered the suspects to be detained for 12 days at Naiberi police station pending further investigation, with a mention set for April 15.

This incident occurs amidst ongoing efforts by police to address cases of missing children in Langas estate, Eldoret town, with four confirmed cases reported and residents claiming over 30 missing children. However, police assert that the children are not missing but have been placed in rescue centers for protection and care.