Standard: AG Githu Muigai: We will win war on human trafficking

Judiciary is working with stakeholders to establish an international crimes division court. Kenya has made strides in combating human trafficking and other international organised crimes, Attorney-General Githu Muigai has said. The pronouncement came as the country prepares to host a major meeting to help enhance the fight. Prof Muigai said implementing the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act and other laws to fight international crime had borne results, leading to the US Department of State raising Kenya’s counter-trafficking ranking from Tier 2 Watch List to Tier 2.

Western attorneys The Attorney-General is expected to host a major summit in Nairobi next Wednesday, bringing to Kenya the input of the Conference of Western Attorneys-General. The body comprises chief legal officers from 15 Western states and three Pacific territories. The AG said that although Kenya is still considered a source, transit point, and destination for trafficked human beings, its situation had significantly improved.

“We have passed some of the most robust laws to combat the vice and other organised international crimes. What we need now is to have similar zeal in implementing these laws,” he said. In an exclusive interview with The Standard, Muigai said next week’s seminar will be crucial for stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking, saying they needed to borrow a leaf from other countries, notably the United States, on how they have waged the fight against such crimes.

“Regretably our country is a transit route for human trafficking, largely due to its geographical positioning and stability, but on a positive note, our joint legal operations have vastly improved the situation,” he said. The AG said that among the resource personnel expected in Nairobi are the Attorney-General of Washington DC Karl Racine and his Illinois counterpart, Lisa Madigan.
SOURCE: Standard Media