Police officers from Chogoria and Chuka stations have rescued 40 children who were allegedly stolen and smuggled in a lorry in Tharaka Nithi County.
The lorry, which was covered with a tarpaulin, was intercepted at Kiriani stage, Chogoria, Maara sub-county on Wednesday morning.
According to eyewitness reports seen by cnyakundi.com, the lorry had stopped at the stage when curious bystanders noticed some movement and noise from inside the vehicle.
They alerted the police, who arrived at the scene and found the children, aged around five years, crammed inside.
The police arrested the driver and two other suspects who were in the lorry.
BREAKING NEWS
A Lorry has been intercepted at Kiriani stage, Chogoria, Maara, Tharaka Nithi County with over 40 KIDS aged around 5years
Allegedly the kids were stolen. The lorry, which was covered, had stopped at the stage when curious bystanders suspected foul play and called…
— Goddie (@Goddie_Ke) August 23, 2023
They are being held at Chogoria police station as investigations continue.
The children are also at the station, where they are receiving medical attention and counseling.
Authorities suspect that the children were being trafficked to an unknown destination for exploitation and are currently working with other agencies to trace the parents or guardians so they reunite them with their families.
