From Trapped to Triumphant: Cynthia’s Tale of Survival and Resilience

Cynthia was 15 years old when she came to Nairobi from her parents’ home in Uganda. Upon arrival at her aunt’s place, she met a man who assured her of a job in Mombasa with good pay. She says, “I left with this man to Mombasa; I didn’t even tell my aunt where I was going because I thought Mombasa was just nearby and I would return in the evening.” The job was an illusion. Cynthia became Musa’s prisoner as he would lock her up in the house when he left for work. She was threatened and sexually abused before she was able to run away.

“As I wandered in the street, I met a staff of Trace Kenya, who took me to the hospital for tests, then to the police station to record a statement, and finally to the shelter”. The case was launched at Tononoka Children’s Court for trafficking and defilement. Musa was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. Cynthia is now 18 years old and is currently undertaking a dress-making life skill course.