Civil society groups in Mombasa County have condemned the rising cases of child molestation at the Coastal region, urging the government and the Judiciary to impose tougher penalties and stricter bail terms for offenders.
The call comes after a local football coach, Mbarak Swaleh, popularly known as “Coaches,” was arraigned on Monday, 18th August, before Senior Resident Magistrate David Odhiambo, charged with molesting a 12-year-old football player.
Swaleh faced two counts of molestation contrary to the Sexual Offences Act (2006), alongside an alternative charge of committing an indecent act with a child. The offences are alleged to have taken place between January and August 14, 2025, at Fort Jesus Stadium in Mvita.
According to court proceedings, the accused allegedly lured the Grade Six pupil into a school store under the guise of collecting training equipment, then repeatedly abused him.
He is also said to have applied a substance referred to as “power shot oil,” claiming it would enhance the boy’s athletic performance, before committing the acts.
The matter came to light after the child informed his mother on August 16, 2025, and the claims were later confirmed through medical examination.
The court granted the accused bail of Sh500,000 with a surety of a similar amount and ordered him to provide two contact persons. The case will be mentioned again on September 8, 2025.
Speaking at a press briefing at Fort Jesus, Anti-LGBTQ Movement Chairperson Salim Karama criticised the decision to release suspects of child abuse on low bail terms, saying it encourages repeat offences.
“We condemn the increasing cases of child molestation in our society and urge the courts to review laws that give perpetrators confidence to commit these crimes. The laws are not harsh enough. Offenders know they can easily walk out of court,” Karama said.
Old Town Residents Association Chairman, Hemed Abdalla, also faulted the bail terms set in the latest case.
“The coach accused of molesting a 12-year-old boy was released on Sh500,000 bond. This is too lenient. Such crimes should attract a minimum bond of Sh2 million. They destroy children’s lives and the laws must reflect the seriousness of these offences,” Abdalla said.
Activist Alamin Somo urged the Judiciary to fast-track child abuse cases to prevent delays that could lead to witness tampering or loss of evidence.
“Cases of this nature should be concluded within six months, not drag on for years,” he said.
Children Protection Volunteer representative, Ahmed Ali, encouraged parents to remain vigilant in safeguarding their children.
“We must know where our children are, who they are meeting, and the character of the people around them,” he said.
Mama Zeinab Abdi, a mother and member of the Anti-LGBTQ Movement, highlighted similar incidents reported recently in the region.
“Less than two months ago, we had another case in Lamu, where the accused was also granted a Sh500,000 bond.
The government should consider establishing a special department to handle child molestation cases,” she said.
By Sitati Reagan
