They promised me care giving job but they changed it when I landed in Malaysia

Bentah’s story is one of hope, betrayal, and resilience.

She is a mother of two children, born in Namangan but raised in Eastleigh. At the age of 19, she became pregnant with her first child, and later she was blessed with a second. Life was difficult, but she held onto her passport since 2018, believing it would one day open the door to a better future.

One day, a friend told her about a job opportunity in Malaysia. She was connected to a woman there who promised her well-paying jobs such as caregiving or waitressing. When they spoke, Bentah showed her passport, and the woman instructed her to get a yellow fever vaccination.

Soon after, a “madam” called Bentah on a video call and assured her that a flight would be booked. Excited, Bentah told her mother to take care of her children while she pursued this opportunity. She sold some of her belongings and gave away others, believing she would not need heavy clothes in Malaysia’s hot climate.

At the airport, she was given “show money” and told to remain on a video call with the madam until she boarded the plane. Her journey took her through Dubai before arriving in Malaysia. Upon arrival, she was instructed to tell immigration officials that she was visiting as a tourist.

Bentah was later picked up and taken to a house where other girls were staying. She was given a Malaysian SIM card and ordered to log out of all her social media accounts and delete her Gmail. Then came the shocking revelation: she was not there to work as a caregiver or waitress, but as a prostitute.

The madam, a Nigerian woman, told Bentah she must shave her private parts and hand over the hair to be taken to a witchdoctor, claiming it would attract more men. She was also told to cut her nails. Bentah was devastated—this was not the life she had been promised. The madam insisted that Bentah had a debt to repay and must sleep with men to clear it. When Bentah refused, she was threatened, denied food, and told she could only speak to her family once a month.

Determined not to give in, Bentah eventually managed to escape. On the road, she met a man on a motorbike. When he asked what was wrong, she explained her situation. He took her in, but instead of helping, he exploited her further. He forced her to sleep with him, saying she must obey him in exchange for food and shelter. With no one else to turn to and nowhere to go, Bentah had no choice but to comply.

The abuse continued until one day, when her menstruation began, the man said that in his culture he could not touch her.

Today, Bentah remains trapped in Malaysia. Her passport was taken by the madam, leaving her without travel documents. She fears her return ticket may have been canceled. She is appealing to the Tales Family for help so she can reach the embassy, obtain new travel documents, and return safely to Kenya. She is deeply worried about what the man may do to her if she remains in his control.