Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has raised concern over what she described as a sharp and alarming rise in child abduction and trafficking cases across the country.

Taking to her official X account on Monday, May 25, 2026, Odhiambo called for urgent action from security and prosecutorial agencies.

She said Kenya is facing a “national emergency” that requires immediate and coordinated response to protect children from rising criminal networks targeting minors.

Rising child protection cases

Odhiambo cited official figures indicating that between January 2025 and March 2026, Kenya recorded 10,581 child protection-related cases, including 1,952 abductions and 173 trafficking incidents.

She warned that the trend translates to approximately 23 children affected per day, a figure she said should shock the nation into action.

“Our children are being stolen. Between Jan 2025–Mar 2026, Kenya recorded 10,581 child protection cases,1,952 abductions, 173 trafficking cases. That is 23 children a day,” Odhiambo stated.

The lawyer referenced several recent cases that have sparked public outrage, including an incident in Githurai where a 2-year-old child was reportedly kidnapped by a teenager allegedly sent to steal the child in exchange for a mobile phone.

She also pointed to unrest in Juja, where residents blocked the Thika Superhighway after four children reportedly went missing within a span of two weeks.

Additionally, she noted reports from Central Kenya indicating at least 372 cases of violence against children within a year, underscoring what she termed a worsening pattern of abuse.

“Last week in Githurai, a 2-year-old was kidnapped by a teenager sent to steal a child for a phone. In Juja, residents shut down the Thika Superhighway after 4 children vanished in two weeks. In Central Kenya, 372 violence-against-children incidents in under a year. This is a national emergency,” she stated.

Call for tougher enforcement

Odhiambo urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to step up investigations and ensure swift prosecution of offenders.

She cited provisions in the Penal Code that prescribe life imprisonment for kidnapping offences, arguing that enforcement agencies must match the severity of the law with decisive action.

“The Penal Code provides for life imprisonment for kidnappers. I want to see DCI and DPP match that seriousness with urgent investigations and full prosecutions, not just press releases,” she wrote on X.

Public urged to remain vigilant

The lawyer also called on members of the public to play an active role in safeguarding children by reporting suspicious activity and remaining vigilant within their communities.

Odhiambo also noted that child protection must be treated as a top national priority, stressing that children represent the country’s future and must not be left vulnerable to exploitation and violence.

“To every Kenyan, watch the children around you. Speak up and report because if we do not protect our children, we have failed at the most fundamental duty of a society. Our children are not a footnote. They are our future,” she urged.

Our children are being stolen. Between Jan 2025–Mar 2026, Kenya recorded 10,581 child protection cases,1,952 abductions, 173 trafficking cases. That is 23 children a day.

Last week in Githurai, a 2-year-old was kidnapped by a teenager sent to steal a child for a phone. In Juja, residents shut down the Thika Superhighway after 4 children vanished in two weeks. In Central Kenya, 372 violence-against-children incidents in under a year. This is a national emergency.

The Penal Code provides for life imprisonment for kidnappers. I want to see DCI and DPP match that seriousness with urgent investigations and full prosecutions, not just press releases.

To every Kenyan, watch the children around you. Speak up and report because if we do not protect our children, we have failed at the most fundamental duty of a society. Our children are not a footnote. They are our future.