A prominent Mombasa-based human rights activist is facing serious criminal allegations after being formally charged with trafficking minors and committing multiple sexual offences.
According to an official statement published by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on its official X account on September 22, 2026, the prosecution has instituted formal legal proceedings against the activist following detailed investigations into the matter.
“The Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has charged a Mombasa-based human rights defender with trafficking two children for purposes of sexual exploitation, defilement and committing indecent acts with children,” read part of the official update released by the public prosecutor’s office.
The court proceedings took place before Resident Magistrate Vincent Odhiambo, where Ngwena was formally read the charge sheet detailing the alleged offenses involving two minors.
Breakdown of Charges Facing Human Rights Activist Under Kenyan Law
Among the primary charges, the human rights activist faces two counts of trafficking in persons, an offense contrary to Section 3(3) as read with Section 3(5) of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act, Cap. 61 of the Laws of Kenya.
Under Section 3(3) of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act (Cap. 61 of the Laws of Kenya), the law strictly defines child trafficking by establishing that the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of any child for exploitation constitutes the offense of trafficking in persons
Further, Section 3(5) of the statute outlines severe penalties for offenders, stipulating that any person convicted of trafficking a person is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than 30 years, a fine of not less than 30 million Kenyan shillings, or both.
Details presented in court by the prosecution allege that the illegal activities occurred on the night of August 25 and August 26, 2026, within Kiembeni Village located in Kisauni Sub-County, Mombasa County.
The state alleges that during this period, Ngwena illegally transferred two children aged 17 and 16 years from Mombasa County to Kiambu County specifically for sexual exploitation.
Beyond the trafficking counts, the state alleges that Ngwena committed defilement on August 26, 2026, in Kiambu County after transporting the victims, alongside two additional counts of committing an indecent act with a child under Section 11(1) of the Sexual Offences Act. Appearing in open court, the human rights defender pleaded not guilty to all charges leveled against him.
Following the plea, the defense petitioned the court for reasonable bail terms, while prosecution counsels Keya Ombele and Orina Sagini pushed back, urging the court to consider the extreme severity of the alleged offenses.
Resident Magistrate Vincent Odhiambo granted conditional release on a Ksh 800,000 bond with one surety, or alternatively, Ksh 500,000 cash bail with a contact person. The case is scheduled for mention on October 1, 2026, to issue pre-trial directions and set hearing dates.
