Child-selling network exposed
2004-08-31 22:19
Nairobi - A Britain-based preacher who claims to perform miracles on barren women is being investigated in connection with an alleged child-trafficking ring that spans five countries, police said on Tuesday.
On Monday, the wife of self-proclaimed archbishop Gilbert Deya and four others were charged in Nairobi with stealing two babies - infants Deya claims are the result of miracles he performed on barren or post-menopausal women.
Prosecutor Moses Odoyo told the court the investigation into alleged child-trafficking involves suspects in Britain, Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda, as well as Kenya.
Police now are investigating allegations that Deya's claims are a cover for child-trafficking, spokesperson Jaspher Ombati said Tuesday.
"The wife is in custody and we believe they might be working together and the miracle babies are said to be connected to his ministry," Ombati told The Associated Press.
"So investigations are on and once they are complete and, (if) it is felt that he is connected, he will be required to come here for necessary action."
Ombati said Kenyan police will follow "normal extradition procedures" to get Deya to Kenya.
"We are not limiting ourselves. We are just casting our net wide ... we want to come to the bottom of this issue of miracle babies," Ombati said.
- AP