Church urges public to speak up against human trafficking

Col Daniel Kiama, The Territorial Commander, Kenya East Territory, leads the Salvation Army church in a campaign against modern human trafficking in the country. [Mike Kihaki, Standard]

The Salvation Army church has urged the public to openly speak against human trafficking saying the vice is degrading human dignity. 

The need for the church to take a position stems from the fact that those trafficked, especially vulnerable women and children, are subjected to forced labour, domestic servitude and sexual abuse.

“We firmly believe that the abuse and exploitation of human beings through any form of human trafficking is an offense against humankind and against God,” said Col. Daniel Kiama.

In the recent past, there has been rising cases of suicide among those duped to work abroad where they often end up frustrated and sink into depression. 

Kiama emphasized the church's commitment to address modern-day human trafficking that comes with the promise of working overseas for a better future.

“Those who have muscles have tried to express their frustrations to their employers. However, we have several descending voices which have no place to ventilate their frustrations ending up committing suicide,” noted Kiama.

He said the Salvation Army church’s mission besides preaching the gospel, is to fight for human rights without discrimination.

"We have taken time to reach to those who are part of the syndicate knowingly or unknowingly and tell them that they have to honour and respect the human rights of the victims or let them go in peace," he said.

Kiama was spoke after flagging off a one-week human trafficking awareness walk, marking the International Day of Prayer for victims of modern slavery.

“Migrants are especially vulnerable, but even those within their home countries can be coerced into forced labour, left in isolation, and without freedom or fair wages; the problem is closer to home than many realize,” said Kiama.

Col Anne Kiama, the Territorial President for Women Ministry, pointed to the increasing cases of exploitation within households, where domestic workers face inhumane conditions, often leading to dire consequences.

“When you don’t pay your house managers on time, or make them work long hours without rest, that is modern slavery. This has caused a rise in suicide cases. As the church, we can’t remain silent while our own members are part of this cycle,” she said.

Despite laws and growing awareness, Anne said the battle against human trafficking faces significant obstacles - some of which the church should not ignore. 

“Many of us are still in denial. There is even neglect when it comes to either reporting or prosecuting cases of human trafficking,” she said.

Kenya is one of the African countries with a high number of cases of human trafficking.

“Trafficking is not always what people think, victims are not always transported across borders. Often, the exploitation happens within the country, sometimes within communities, under the guise of employment or assistance,” she said, citing poverty, unemployment, and desperation as some of the factors contributing to the vice.