The BBC has issued a strong defence of its investigative documentary “Madams: Exposing Kenya’s Child Sex Trade” following criticism from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and debate in parliament.

In a statement issued on Thursday, August 14, 2025, BBC Africa Eye described the investigation as “an important piece of public interest journalism” that shed light on the exploitation of children in Kenya’s sex trade.

The broadcaster expressed concern that, after the film aired, survivors of childhood sexual abuse featured in the programme were interviewed at length by investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) without legal representation.

“BBC Africa Eye’s investigation ‘Madams: Exposing Kenya’s Child Sex Trade’ is an important piece of public interest journalism that documents the exploitation of children in the Kenyan sex trade,” BBC stated.

“We note with concern that following the broadcast of the film, survivors of childhood sexual abuse who contributed to the film were interviewed at length by investigators from the Kenya Directorate of Criminal Investigations without the presence of legal representation. There has also been a debate on the investigation in the Kenyan parliament.”

Promised payments

The BBC went ahead to clarify that none of the contributors were paid, offered payment, or coached in any way, and that all survivors interviewed were over the age of 18 at the time of filming, recounting abuse suffered as minors.

“For clarity, none of the contributors featured in this film were paid, offered payment or ‘coached’ in any way. As clearly stated in the film, the survivors of abuse who were interviewed were all over 18 and recounted experiences of abuse that occurred when they were underage. We are thankful to the survivors for their brave contributions,” the statement read.

“As detailed in the film, we originally handed the evidence gathered during the investigation to the Kenya police in March 2025, in which perpetrators of crimes against children were clearly identified, as were the victims who were in need of urgent assistance.”

The documentary’s findings have sparked public outrage, political debate, and calls for stronger action against child exploitation networks in Kenya.

Murkomen’s allegations

Murkomen had claimed that BBC journalists in the child sex trade documentary promised witnesses payments and lifestyle benefits.

Speaking when he appeared before the National Assembly on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Murkomen stated that the revelation was made following investigations by the anti-human trafficking and protection units.

“14 witnesses have been interviewed, and their statements recorded with relevant documents obtained. All locations featured in the BBC documentary have been identified, visited and documented by the crime scene investigation team,” he said.

“According to witnesses, BBC representatives promised substantial payments and lifestyle benefits to those who were involved,” he added.

Furthermore, he dismissed the documentary as a planned hoax aimed at misleading the public.

Murkomen also claimed he had personally reviewed the names, pseudonyms, and backgrounds of the individuals featured in the exposé and found that none were minors.