A heartbreaking case of human trafficking has come to light involving a Kenyan nurse who left the country in search of greener pastures.
In July, Ms. Purity Cherono from Rongai, Nakuru County, was introduced to what seemed like a promising chance to work as a nurse in India. Being a mother of two who had been surviving on casual jobs, she believed this was her opportunity to secure a better life for her children.
With hope in her heart, she accepted the offer and travelled abroad. However, upon arrival, her dreams were brutally crushed. Instead of finding the nursing job she had been promised, she was forced into sex work.
Ms. Cherono narrated that she was initially excited about the journey, but things changed drastically. Shortly after arriving, she fell ill and could not work. Once she recovered, she was taken to another city and introduced to the reality of the “job.” She was shocked to learn that it had nothing to do with nursing.
When she refused to comply, her passport was confiscated, leaving her stranded. She explained that she had never been a sex worker and had only left Kenya with the hope of improving her children’s lives.
The situation grew worse when her traffickers demanded Sh500,000 for the release of her passport. With no money, no rent, and no food, she has been left in a desperate state.
Now stuck in India, Ms. Cherono is appealing to Kenyans and well-wishers to help her return home. Her story is a painful reminder of the growing cases of human trafficking that prey on innocent people seeking better opportunities.
For her, what began as a hopeful journey has turned into a nightmare, and all she longs for now is a safe return to her children in Kenya.
By Nairobi