The Othaya Law Courts have granted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) 10 days to complete investigations into allegations that an imam sexually abused 12 minors during madrasa classes.
The suspect, Sheikh Ustadh Eid Koitet Ali, is accused of committing the offences between 2022 and November 2025 while serving as imam at Othaya Community Muslim Mosque.
According to court documents, the children involved are aged between five and 14 years. It is alleged that the cleric lured the minors with sweets, biscuits and cakes before coercing them into engaging in indecent acts.
A report compiled by Othaya Sub-County Children Officer Susan Wambui details disturbing claims that the suspect forced some of the children to perform oral sex and sodomised others. The report further indicates that the accused allegedly threatened the victims with spiritual consequences, telling them that anyone who disclosed the incidents would “go to hell,” while those who kept quiet would “secure a place in heaven.”
In separate accounts, two female victims are said to have told investigators that the cleric promised to marry them and establish businesses for them after completing their education. They were also allegedly warned not to inform their parents about the incidents.
The suspect appeared before Principal Magistrate Sandra Ogot, where DCI officer Hanafi Hamza sought additional time to finalise investigations.
“Your honour, I am yet to record statements from some of the victims and obtain their medical reports, P3 and Pre-hospital Care Report forms. I have also not obtained birth certificates of the minors and I have not recorded some of the parents’ statements,” Hamza told the court.
The investigating officer opposed the suspect’s release, arguing that he poses a flight risk and lacks a fixed place of residence. He further informed the court that when the matter was initially reported at Othaya Police Station last year, the suspect allegedly fled to an unknown location.
Ali was later arrested in Naserian location, Kiserian, in Kajiado on February 20, 2026.
Hamza also expressed concern that the suspect could interfere with witnesses due to his position of authority within the community. He added that the suspect’s own safety could be at risk if released and that this might jeopardise ongoing investigations.
In granting the application, the court directed that the suspect be detained at Othaya Police Station until March 3 to allow detectives to complete their inquiries.