The High Court in Nairobi has halted the prosecution of a minor accused of destroying private property after former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko secured her release from remand. The minor had been detained at Lang’ata Women’s Prison before Sonko intervened, helping her secure bond terms.
The decision to suspend criminal proceedings came after the minor’s mother filed an application at the Employment and Labour Relations Court, arguing that her child was a victim of child labour. Through her lawyer, the mother claimed that the minor had been subjected to forced domestic work instead of receiving the promised education under the custody of the respondent, who is now facing legal scrutiny.
The Employment and Labour Relations Court has directed Kajiado County’s Labour Officer and Children’s Officer to investigate allegations of child labour and abuse against the respondent. Additionally, the court ordered an inquiry into claims that the minor had been coerced into performing household duties despite an agreement that she would be enrolled in school.
According to court documents, the minor was accused of malicious damage to property after allegedly breaking a television set valued at over Ksh30,000 in early 2025. However, her mother contends that the case is an attempt to criminalize a child who had been placed in an exploitative situation.
The matter is set for hearing on March 20, 2025, with Sonko and another party listed as interested parties in the case. In her application, the minor’s mother is also seeking court orders to restrain the respondent from contacting her, her family, friends, or any other individuals associated with her.
Speaking after appearing in court for the case mentioning, Sonko decried the rising cases of minors being forced into domestic labour and called for government intervention. He urged the Ministry of Labour to take decisive action against those who exploit children.
“Cases of child abuse, where minors are forced into domestic labour as maids or other unauthorized work, must come to an end. The government must ensure that those responsible face prosecution,” Sonko stated.
The case has sparked discussions on child labour and the protection of minors from exploitation, with calls for stricter enforcement of laws safeguarding children’s rights.
