Mosiria criticises low bail terms in child defilement case

Nairobi County’s Environment Chief Officer, Geoffrey Mosiria, has raised concerns over the criminal justice system, questioning the release of suspects accused of defilement on what he described as low cash bail amounts despite the existence of medical evidence.

In a statement shared on his Instagram page on Sunday, June 21, 2026, Mosiria expressed frustration over what he sees as a growing gap between the efforts made to secure justice for victims and the outcomes that follow in court.

According to Mosiria, the situation becomes particularly painful when citizens and authorities work tirelessly to ensure suspects are arrested, only for them to regain their freedom shortly afterward.

“I don’t know if I am the only one who feels this pain. Imagine receiving a distress call from a Kenyan reporting that a child is crying at night after being defiled by an old man who lied to them that he is his father. You respond immediately and spend the entire night ensuring the suspect is arrested, making sure there are no loopholes that could allow powerful individuals or ‘godfathers’ to interfere and secure his release from police custody,” Mosiria stated.

The county official said seeing alleged offenders walk free after arrest can be discouraging, especially in cases involving children. He noted that victims and their families often expect swift and firm justice after enduring traumatic experiences.

Mosiria explained that his concerns stem from instances where medical examinations have already confirmed that abuse occurred, yet suspects are still released on cash bail while awaiting trial.

“The suspect is then taken to court, but after a few days, you see the victim despite clear evidence that defilement occurred, while the suspect has been released on cash bail. The medical doctors have already confirmed that the child was defiled, yet the cash bail given is so low that it almost feels like an insult to the victim and the seriousness of the crime,” he said.

The outspoken county official argued that courts should take a tougher approach in cases involving rape and defilement where evidence is clear. He warned that releasing suspects could increase the risk of them absconding and avoiding prosecution altogether.

“In cases of rape or defilement where there is clear evidence, justice should be firm. If such suspects are released on bail, there is always a risk that they may run away and disappear completely,” Mosiria added.

While acknowledging that the justice system operates independently, Mosiria said many Kenyans often feel helpless when they witness what they perceive as lenient treatment of suspects accused of serious crimes. He suggested that financial influence continues to play a role in how some cases are handled.

Sometimes, he noted, those seeking justice are left feeling as though they are fighting an uphill battle, armed with little more than hope and faith.

“Sometimes I feel we are on our own, with only God as our defender. The reason why many people continue to suffer in the hands of those with money and influence is because the criminal justice system often seems to favour those who are financially powerful,” he stated.

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