Publication date: May 2, 2024 09:27 (EAT)
File image of the judge's gavel.
Garissa city detectives have been given 14 days to detain a suspected pedophile accused of sexually abusing six children aged between five and nine years old.
Police arrested Aden Ali, a teacher, following reports that he was the main suspect in a case of sexual harassment, assault and corruption against children in his class.
Ali was arraigned in a Garissa court on Thursday, where detectives asked him to be held for another 14 days pending recorded statements from the children's parents, who say they are victims of corruption.
Garissa Deputy County Police Commander Edward Inwaga said the teacher was arrested before fleeing on Wednesday.
After his arrest, more family members continued to record statements with the police.
“Aden ali turimusika kwa tuhuma za kwanazisi watoto wadogo, leo tumeonba siku kadar kuendereza utunguzi tupate statement za waatiliwa na P3 form,” Imbwaga said. .
Even more disturbing to detectives is that Ali was the teacher of the children suspected of corruption.
Police are currently remanding him at Garissa Police Station until the investigation is completed.
Human rights activists in Garissa have called on parents to watch their children at school, citing widespread corruption.
Garissa District Gender CEC Hawa Abdi Sahar said, “The proportion of case tunaresibu sasa hibi is too high, watoto wanafaniwa impurity, wakiwa masomoni na case jinjin tunapata wanasiasa wanaingiria. Na Hatsutakubari,” he pointed out.
Activist Muktar Dahir Osman said, “Tutasirikiana iri hij durma jiishe…hij incident is jimeonjieka haswa za kunajishi na krawiti vijana.”
The president of Islamic Lawyers of Kenya condemned the incident and said he would ensure justice for the young people.
Human rights activists are calling for proper background checks on teachers before parents entrust their children with them.
