By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, 5 January 2026 - A madrassa teacher accused of defiling a 13-year-old girl in Naivasha has been granted bond by a local court as the child abuse case continues to draw community concern and calls for stronger protection of minors.
The suspect, identified in court documents as 33-year-old Abdullahi Ahmed, appeared before the Naivasha Magistrate’s Court where a magistrate granted him bond set at KSh 500,000 with an alternative cash bail of KSh 200,000.
He was also ordered to surrender his travel documents and report to police twice weekly as the prosecution prepares for trial.
According to the prosecution, the accused allegedly defiled the girl, whose identity is protected due to her age, during a period when he was entrusted with her religious education at the madrassa.
The incident reportedly occurred in late December 2025, prompting immediate outrage from community members and child protection advocates.
The prosecution opposed bond, arguing that the seriousness of the offence, categorized as aggravated defilement under Kenyan law, warranted strict conditions or even remand pending the hearing of the case.
However, the court accepted the defence’s submissions that the accused has strong roots in the community, a fixed address and no prior criminal record, factors considered when granting bail.
Magistrate Esther Mwende, while granting bond, emphasised that the accused must comply strictly with the court’s conditions, warning that failure to do so would result in the bond being revoked and the suspect remanded in custody.
“This court has considered the nature of the offence, as well as the submissions by both parties. In the interests of justice and having regard to constitutional presumption of innocence, the accused is hereby admitted to bail on the following conditions,” Magistrate Mwende stated, according to court records.
Community and Advocacy Reactions
Local child protection groups condemned the decision to grant bond, saying it sends the wrong message about the seriousness of crimes against children. Naivasha Child Rights Coalition Chairperson Rose Wanjiku said:
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“This is a sensitive case involving a minor who deserves protection and justice. Granting bond in such instances must be approached with caution, and our hope is that the prosecution will pursue the case vigorously and ensure the child’s rights are safeguarded.”
Child rights advocates noted that defilement cases involving minors are among the most serious under the Penal Code and Children’s Act, which provide for stringent penalties to deter such offences and protect vulnerable children.
Under Kenyan law, defilement refers to sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 18. Where the victim is below 16 years, the offence is considered aggravated, carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of life imprisonment, among the harshest penalties in the criminal code.
The prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused engaged in sexual acts with the victim, and that the victim was under the age of consent at the time.
The court set the next hearing for March 2026, where additional evidence and witness testimonies are expected to be presented.
Investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are ongoing, including efforts to gather forensic evidence, social welfare reports and medical examinations.
The incident has reignited discussion about the safety of children in learning environments, particularly in informal institutions such as madrassas, where regulatory oversight has historically been weaker than in formal school settings.
Parents in the area expressed unease, calling for stricter screening and vetting of teachers and volunteers who work with minors. A local mother, who declined to be named, said:
“We send our children to religious institutions to build character and discipline. It is heartbreaking to hear such news. We urge authorities to ensure that only qualified and trustworthy individuals are entrusted with our children.”
Civil society organisations also called on the government to accelerate child protection training, community awareness programmes, and stronger enforcement of safeguarding policies in all institutions dealing with children, including religious, social and educational settings.
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