Detectives have dismantled a suspected family-run online s3xual exploitation network in Nairobi, Kenya, arresting a mother, her daughter and her son-in-law.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
According to the statement, detectives also rescued five women allegedly trafficked through fake job offers and forced to produce explicit online content.
DCI said officers from the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) conducted the operation in the Mihang’o area of Embakasi East Constituency, where the women were found confined in two bedrooms inside a residential house.
According to preliminary investigations, the victims had been promised lucrative employment opportunities but were instead subjected to online sexual exploitation for commercial gain.
DCI said a search of the premises led to the recovery of items believed to have been used to facilitate the suspected exploitation. The exhibits were documented for use in the investigation.
DCI identified the prime suspect as the 43-year-old owner of the house, Morine Imbaali, who is believed to have operated the alleged trafficking enterprise.
Also arrested were her 24-year-old daughter, Barbara Okoyo, who is suspected of recruiting the victims, and her 30-year-old husband, Alfred Okelo, who investigators believe managed the computer systems used in the online exploitation scheme.
“Detectives from the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) have arrested three individuals in connection with suspected online s3xual exploitation in Mihang’o area, Embakasi East Constituency, Nairobi County,” the statement read.
“Acting on actionable intelligence, the detectives rescued five women who were found confined in two bedrooms within a house in the area.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the victims were lured with promises of lucrative employment opportunities but were instead forced to produce online s3xual content for commercial exploitation.
“A search of the premises led to the recovery of items believed to have been used to facilitate the suspected exploitation. The recovered items were documented in an inventory.
“Three suspects—Morine Imbaali, 43, the owner of the premises and the prime suspect; Barbara Okoyo, 24, daughter of the prime suspect and suspected to have recruited the victims; and Alfred Okelo, 30, husband to Barbara Okoyo and suspected to have maintained the computer systems used in the illicit operation—were escorted to Kasarani Police Station, where they remain in custody pending processing and arraignment.
“They are expected to face charges of trafficking in persons contrary to Section 3(1)(d), as read together with Section 3(5), of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act, No. 8 of 2010, alongside other related offences.
“Arrangements are being made to provide the five rescued women with safe, appropriate shelter and comprehensive holistic support services, including psychosocial counselling and medical care, to ensure their safety, dignity, and successful reintegration.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) cautions job seekers to exercise vigilance when responding to employment offers, particularly those from unverified recruiters, as criminal networks continue to exploit vulnerable individuals through false promises of lucrative jobs.
“Anyone with information on human trafficking or other criminal activities is encouraged to report it confidentially through the #FichuaKwaDCI toll-free line 0800 722 203 or via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.”
