Friday, May 8, 2026 - A Nairobi County Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service, Geoffrey Mosiria, has rescued a minor forced to marry an elderly man who claimed to be 46.
Mosiria led a late-night rescue the 14-year-old after
distress reports in Kasarani area of Nairobi.
The girl was found living with the man identified as
Abdigafar Ahmed Yusuf, with investigation revealing disputed documents and
altered identity records.
According to information, the man married her when she was
12 years old in 2024.
The suspect is in custody as police widen probe into alleged
forced marriage and family involvement.
Mosiria's team had earlier received distress calls from
neighbours and a security guard reporting that the child had been crying
continuously at night.
Mosiria said the reports prompted an immediate raid on the
premises, where the minor was found living with Yusuf.
The Mandera-based girl is reportedly Ethiopian and,
according to officials, has no relatives in Kenya apart from an uncle who is
alleged to have sold her.
Her mother is also reportedly based in Ethiopia.
In a video shared after the rescue, Mosiria confronted the
suspect, who attempted to justify the arrangement by citing religion and
tradition.
“According to our religion and Somali traditions, a girl is
married after reaching an age ripe for marriage, even as early as 9 years,” the
man said, adding that he believed the child was already mature enough for
marriage.
Investigations at the scene also revealed documents
indicating that the girl’s birth certificate had allegedly been altered to
reflect the suspect as her father.
Authorities further noted that the child is suspected to be
pregnant, though this is yet to be confirmed.
She is unable to communicate in English or Kiswahili and
only speaks Somali, forcing Mosiria's team to rely on a translator during
interviews.
The girl told officials that the arrangement had been made
by her mother, who is reportedly a friend of the suspect.
The man also presented a handwritten document he claimed
served as a marriage certificate.
Mosiria confirmed that the suspect is currently being held
at Kasarani Police Station while the child has been placed at a rescue centre
where she is receiving care and protection.
“I strongly warn against the practice of forcing underage
girls into marriage, which denies them their right to education, safety, and a
dignified childhood. Children are not objects of exploitation and must be
protected at all costs,” Mosiria said.
"Any individual involved in marrying or cohabiting with
an underage child must immediately desist and ensure the child is returned to a
safe environment. Failure to do so will result in firm legal action in
accordance with the law,” he added.
He further indicated that the child’s mother is expected to
be arrested pending ongoing investigations.
Mosiria raised concern over claims used to justify underage
marriage in some communities, warning against misinterpretation of religious
teachings to support exploitation of minors.
The girl was also found to be showing signs of a possible
oral infection, and she is currently receiving medical attention alongside
psychosocial support.
Mosiria pledged full justice for the girl, saying he will
follow the case through to its conclusion.
0 Comments