Isiolo, Kenya| A wave of shock and condemnation has swept through Isiolo County following an alleged attempted sodomy case involving a 6-year-old boy at a mosque in Kiwanjani.
Local activists, religious leaders, and residents have united in their demand for justice, calling for swift action against the 22-year-old suspect and urging the community to protect vulnerable children, particularly boys, from sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage, has also raised concerns about the safety of children in places of worship and the need for robust community-led interventions.
Incident Sparks Community Uproar
According to local reports, the alleged incident occurred within the premises of a mosque in Kiwanjani, a quiet neighborhood in Isiolo County.
The suspect, a 22-year-old man, is accused of attempting to sodomize a 6-year-old boy, whose whereabouts remain unknown following the incident.
The disappearance of the child has heightened fears among residents, with activists pressing law enforcement to intensify efforts to locate the minor and ensure his safety.
Grace Lolim, a prominent activist leading the community’s response, addressed journalists, expressing dismay over the incident.
“We are deeply disturbed by this heinous act, which violates the sanctity of a place of worship and the innocence of a child,” Lolim stated.
She confirmed that activists have engaged with the police to ensure the suspect is apprehended and brought to justice. “We will not rest until the perpetrator faces the full force of the law,” she added.
Calls for Protection of the Boy Child
The incident has reignited discussions about the need to protect boys from sexual violence, a topic that activists argue has been overshadowed by efforts to safeguard girls.
Anab Qassim, a Kiwanjani resident and advocate, emphasized the importance of addressing vulnerabilities faced by boys.
“While we’ve made strides in protecting girls, we cannot ignore the boy child. This incident is a stark reminder that both genders are at risk of SGBV,” Qassim said.
She urged the community to remain patient as investigations proceed and called on the mosque’s committee to publicly condemn the act, reinforcing the community’s commitment to child safety.
Qassim also highlighted the need for community-driven initiatives to educate parents and children about SGBV.
“We must foster open conversations with our children, teaching them about their rights and how to recognize and report abuse,” she said.
Religious Leaders Urged to Act
Adan Ibrahim, another vocal activist, called on religious leaders to take a stand against the “evil” plaguing the community.
“This act is an affront to our values and faith. Religious leaders must speak out unequivocally and guide the community toward justice,” Ibrahim said.
He urged residents to allow the police to conduct their investigations without interference, emphasizing that justice for the child must be the priority.
Ibrahim also appealed to men to lead efforts in combating SGBV, challenging them to be proactive in creating a safer environment for all children.
Human Rights Activist Denounces “Heinous” Act
Hussein Borbor, a human rights activist from Moyale, joined the chorus of condemnation in a statement shared with Angaaf Radio Kenya, a vernacular station serving Isiolo County.
Borbor, who learned of the incident through social media, described the alleged act as “heinous, unreligious, and a gross violation of human rights.”
He expressed particular concern that the incident occurred within a place of worship, underscoring the betrayal of trust in such sacred spaces.
Borbor urged the community to collaborate closely with law enforcement to ensure the suspect is held accountable.
He also cautioned against the use of the Maslah system—a traditional dispute resolution mechanism—warning that it is ill-suited for serious criminal cases like sodomy.
“Alternative dispute resolution cannot replace the legal process in cases of this magnitude. Using Maslah risks further traumatizing victims and denying them justice,” Borbor said.
He called on parents to monitor their children’s whereabouts and engage in open discussions about SGBV, emphasizing the importance of educating both boys and girls about their rights and safety.
Community and Police Response
Local authorities have confirmed that an investigation is underway, with efforts focused on locating the missing child and apprehending the suspect.
The police have appealed for information from the public to aid in their efforts, assuring residents that the case is being treated with the utmost urgency.
Meanwhile, the mosque committee has yet to issue an official statement, a point of contention for activists who argue that religious institutions must take a proactive role in addressing such incidents.
Community members have also begun organizing forums to discuss child protection measures, with plans to involve schools, religious institutions, and local leaders in awareness campaigns.
Broader Implications for Child Safety
The Kiwanjani incident has sparked a broader conversation about child safety in Isiolo County and beyond. Experts note that SGBV against boys is often underreported due to stigma and cultural attitudes, making cases like this a critical wake-up call.
According to a 2024 report by Kenya’s National Gender and Equality Commission, boys accounted for 15% of reported SGBV cases in Kenya, though the actual figure is likely higher due to underreporting.
Activists are now advocating for comprehensive child protection policies, including mandatory SGBV training for religious and community leaders, stricter oversight of public spaces, and increased funding for victim support services.
They also stress the importance of destigmatizing male victims of sexual violence to encourage reporting and access to care.
A United Call for Justice
As Isiolo grapples with the aftermath of this disturbing incident, the community remains united in its pursuit of justice for the young victim.
The collective outrage has galvanized residents, activists, and leaders to confront SGBV head-on, with a renewed focus on protecting all children, regardless of gender.
For now, the search for the missing boy continues, and the community waits anxiously for answers.
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