12 Arrested in Thika As Police Raid Premises Suspected to Be Operating as a Brothel

Police in Thika have arrested 12 suspects following a raid on a premises in Ngoingwa Estate that authorities believe was being used to facilitate commercial sex activities.

The operation was conducted after police received intelligence reports about alleged illegal activities taking place at a rented house located within a gated apartment in the Maranatha area of Chania One Estate.

Acting on a tip-off, a team of officers stormed the premises and arrested the house tenant who is suspected of operating the establishment. She is expected to face allegations related to running a brothel and detaining individuals for immoral purposes.

During the raid, officers recovered a variety of items believed to be linked to the activities allegedly taking place at the premises. The items included computers, tablets, adult sex toys, massage oils, ring lights and other materials that investigators say may assist in ongoing inquiries. Police also recovered 10 rolls of cannabis, which were seized as exhibits.

In addition to the house tenant, police detained 11 other individuals aged between 18 and 30 years, bringing the total number of suspects arrested to 12.

According to police, the suspects are expected to face charges related to living on the earnings of prostitution, aiding and abetting prostitution, or facilitating individuals to engage in commercial sex work, subject to the outcome of investigations.

Authorities said detectives are continuing with inquiries to establish the full extent of the alleged activities, identify any additional persons connected to the operation, and determine whether the premises formed part of a wider network.

The suspects remain in custody pending processing and arraignment, while investigations into the matter continue.