The operation was led by Nairobi County Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service, Geoffrey Mosiria, following urgent distress reports from neighbours and a security guard who had raised concern over persistent cries from a residential premises at night.
Acting swiftly on the information, a joint response team conducted a raid and found the minor inside the home of a 46-year-old man identified as Abdigafar Ahmed Yusuf, who was immediately taken into custody as investigations commenced.
Preliminary findings indicate that the girl may have been trafficked from Mandera and is believed to be of Ethiopian origin.
Authorities say she has no known relatives in Kenya, apart from an uncle who is alleged to have facilitated her transfer. Her mother is reportedly based in Ethiopia.
During initial questioning, the suspect attempted to defend the situation, citing cultural and religious practices as justification for early marriage.
Investigators, however, have dismissed the claims and classified the matter as a potential violation of child protection laws, including exploitation and unlawful custody of a minor.
Officials also recovered documents at the scene suggesting possible tampering with the girl’s birth records, allegedly altered to indicate the suspect as her father. Authorities are further investigating reports that the minor could be pregnant, pending medical confirmation.
The girl, who reportedly communicates only in Somali, has been placed under a child rescue centre where she is receiving medical treatment, counselling, and psychosocial support as she begins recovery.
Mosiria condemned the incident, describing it as a grave violation of children’s rights and warning against the misuse of cultural or religious narratives to justify abuse.
He confirmed that the suspect remains in custody as police widen investigations, with additional arrests, including the girl’s mother, under consideration.
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