Mother of Minor Seeks to Halt Criminal Charges in Child Abuse and Labor Case
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The mother of a minor facing criminal charges at the Ngong Law Courts has filed an urgent application at the Employment and Labour Relations Court, seeking to stop the ongoing proceedings, citing concerns of child abuse, trafficking, and exploitation.
Esther Beja, a resident of Kwale, through her lawyer Elizabeth Ochieng, has accused the respondent, identified as a pastor, of running a child abuse and trafficking ring, and unlawfully engaging the minor in forced labor.
In her application, Beja is seeking court orders to restrain the pastor from verbally engaging her, her family, friends, or any other persons associated with her. She further requests that the respondent be barred from harassing, intimidating, stalking, or engaging in any conduct that amounts to emotional, verbal, or psychological abuse against her.
Claims of Broken Trust and Child Labor
According to Beja, she entrusted the minor to the pastor under the agreement that he would facilitate her education. However, in what her lawyer termed a “sudden twist of events,” the pastor allegedly forced the minor into domestic servitude instead of enrolling her in school.
“The respondent started engaging the minor in household chores rather than fulfilling his promise to take her to school,” said Ochieng, highlighting the betrayal and emotional distress caused to the family.
Charges Against the Minor
Meanwhile, the minor, referred to as Mrs. X, is facing charges of malicious damage to property. According to the charge sheet, she is accused of damaging a television valued at Ksh 33,990, property belonging to the same pastor, Daniel Egesa. The incident is alleged to have occurred on January 13, 2025, in Ongata Rongai township.
Public Support for the Minor
Due to the family’s financial struggles, former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko has stepped in to assist. Sonko helped secure bond terms for the minor, ensuring her temporary release as the case proceeds.
Speaking during the mention of the case at the Ngong Law Courts, Sonko pledged his continued support for the minor, stating that he is ready to facilitate her education so she can pursue her dreams.
“I am willing and ready to take the minor to school and ensure she gets the education she deserves to achieve her dream,” Sonko told journalists.
Awaiting Court Decision
As the Employment and Labour Relations Court reviews Beja’s application, the spotlight remains on the unfolding case that raises serious concerns about child welfare, exploitation, and access to justice for vulnerable minors.
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