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100 sex workers evicted from popular brothel – PHOTOS


At least 100 sex workers were on Monday evicted from their rooms in Mombasa after a reported change of ownership of the building they have been operating in.

Some of the sex workers were with clients as a group of rowdy youths descended on the New Paradise Lodge in Saba Saba.

The clients huriedly took off as the sex workers tried to rescue their belongings that were being thrown out by the youths. Beds, worn-out mattresses and clothes were among the items that were thrown out of the premise.

Armed police officers who arrived at the scene found condoms strewn all over the inner corridors. The premise is among the oldest brothels in the coastal town.

PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT
PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT

‘OUR FLOWERS’

“Why are they evicting our flowers? This is where we usually come when we are thirsty especially young unmarried men like me. They charge us Sh200, when we don’t have money sometimes we are given on credit. We need back our flowers,” said Dula, who identified himself as a frequent customer.

One of the hired youths, Morris Mwita, claimed they were contracted to evict the sex workers because the new owner wants to open another business.

“They could have given us notice, this is so unfair. Sex work is like any other job, they need to respect us. Whoever ordered this eviction should bear in mind that we are in electioneering period, we have votes,” said Wanjiku, one of the sex workers.

The sex workers urged Governor Hassan Joho to intervene and protect them against harassment by the owner of the building.

PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT
PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT

DAY SHIFT

“We are more than 100 sex workers, we work in shifts. There are those who work during the day and others at night. Those who came in the day shift are the ones who were affected. I was with my customer in the room when I had noises,” said another sex worker.

The 40 year old woman said she has been in the trade for more than 10 years.

“This is a hustle that caters for my livelihood. I have two children in the university, they depend on me on fees, food and clothes. I pay rent through this work,” she added.