Kenya’s Interior Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, has called a BBC documentary exposing child-sex trafficking “fake” and aimed at smearing the nation. The BBC has hit back, insisting its reporting is genuine and ethically sound.
On 13 August 2025, in the National Assembly, Minister Murkomen said some women in the documentary had lied about their age to win sponsorship offers from the BBC. He claimed none were minors and that the film failed its purpose because of “falsified information,” even though investigations tracking financial records and calling witnesses are still underway.
The BBC, responding the next day, said none of the survivors were paid or coached. They stressed that every contributor was over 18 when interviewed, recounting experiences from when they were underage. The broadcaster thanked them for their courage.
They also raised concerns about the Kenya Directorate of Criminal Investigations questioning survivors without legal representation a point of serious ethical concern. BBC confirmed it handed the police a full dossier of evidence in March 2025, to aid investigations.
The exposé, titled Madams: Exposing Kenya’s Child Sex Trade, aired on 4 August 2025. It depicted girls as young as 13 manipulated into prostitution by so-called “madams” in Maai Mahiu. The film prompted swift action: the ODPP ordered a DCI probe, with findings expected within seven days.
Murkomen’s stance
He insists the BBC misled the public, but says Kenya still faces real child exploitation issues though this program doesn’t reflect that truth.
BBC’s position
The broadcaster stands by its investigation. It says it did not offer money or coaching and that survivors spoke freely. The handover of evidence and concern over lack of legal counsel show a commitment to due process.
Public Outrage
The public demanded swift action and thorough investigation after the BBC expose. Now that Murkomen claims that the BBC expose was untrue, the public is deeply disappointed. There have been no arrests yet, but financial and call-log evidence is being examined, and people involved are being traced.
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