A 44-year-old woman accused of stealing a three-year-old child in Kisumu has been placed on her defence after a court ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against her.

Chief Magistrate Denis Kipkirui Mikoyan made the ruling in the case involving Lenah Kadika Amayu following the presentation of evidence by four prosecution witnesses and several exhibits.

The court's decision means that Amayu will now have an opportunity to respond to the allegations levelled against her.

According to evidence presented in court, the incident reportedly occurred on November 25, 2025, at Nyalenda Sub-location in Kisumu Central Sub-County.

The prosecution alleged that the accused had sought refuge at the complainant's home the previous evening, claiming that she knew the child's mother through their church.

The court heard that the following morning, the child's mother left the accused with her three-year-old child after Amayu allegedly offered to babysit while she went to work.

However, upon returning home, the mother reportedly discovered that both the accused and the child were missing.

The prosecution further presented evidence linking the accused to allegations of child trafficking and stealing.

Amayu faces a principal charge of trafficking in persons under Section 3(1)(d), read together with Section 5 of the Counter Trafficking in Persons Act, 2010.

She also faces alternative charges of child stealing and stealing household items belonging to the child's mother.

During the proceedings, an investigating officer reportedly informed the court that the accused had previously faced a similar child-stealing case alongside other suspects at Winam Law Courts, where the child was eventually recovered.

The latest ruling does not amount to a conviction. Rather, it establishes that the prosecution has presented sufficient evidence to require the accused to give her defence.

Amayu had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court will proceed to hear her defence before determining the matter.

The case highlights the importance of child protection and the need for vigilance when entrusting children to other people, including individuals who may appear familiar or trustworthy.


The accused remains presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.