Case Exposes Dark Reality of Sex Trafficking in Massage Parlors in Kenya

Ugandan woman Hanifah Nanyange has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for operating a sex trafficking ring disguised as a massage parlour in Nairobi's Ngara neighbourhood.

Nanyange's scheme involved luring young Ugandan women to Kenya under the pretence of legitimate employment opportunities only to subject them to forced sexual exploitation upon arrival. During the court proceedings, harrowing testimonies were presented by several victims shielded under the pseudonyms Aggie, Jannie, and Agnes. Their accounts detail a horrifying experience of being taken to Grace Villa bar and restaurant where their travel documents were confiscated and they were coerced into providing sexual services to male clients against their will.

Aggie, who faced a significant language barrier due to limited English and Kiswahili proficiency, recounts being promised a massage therapist position. However, the reality was far bleaker as she was forced to perform sexual acts on at least two different men daily. Agnes' testimony reveals meagre wages coupled with sexual exploitation. She was also subjected to physical violence for declining clients' advances and even assigned a new alias, "Shani," by her trafficker.

The victims were deliberately kept isolated and deprived of any connection with friends, family, or any means to seek help within the unfamiliar Nairobi environment. Nanyange's control manifested through intimidation and violent tactics. Following a comprehensive trial involving 15 witnesses, Principal Magistrate Gideon Kiage has delivered a guilty verdict for Nanyange. The magistrate condemns the "inhumane" and "degrading" treatment inflicted upon the victims.

Consequently, Nanyange is sentenced to a harsh penalty of 20 years in prison. Alternatively, she is offered the option of paying a hefty fine of 20 million Kenyan shillings.