Journalist and parliamentary aspirant Elkana Jacob offered a Sh20,000 cash reward for information that will lead to the arrest of a suspect accused of assaulting a five-year-old boy in Nyali, Mombasa.
The Incident, which occurred on December 6, 2025, in the Bashir area of Pandya, Kadzandani Ward, has sent shockwaves through the community.
Police in Nyali have launched a manhunt on the suspect, urging members of the public to report any helpful information.
According to Elkana, the matter was officially recorded at Kadzandani Police Station on Saturday.
He said the welfare of the child must come first and commended residents who have stepped forward to help investigators.
“We have to protect our communities and the future generations. This has to end and we want justice for now,” he said.
“We urge locals to report to any police on any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect.”
Elkana and local community leaders have mobilised his Mashinani team and the Team Elkana Jacob Foundation to support the victim and his family.
The child is currently receiving medical treatment at Coast General Hospital and will be enrolled in counselling sessions to support his emotional and psychological recovery.
Elkana urged the public to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting suspected abusers, emphasizing that protecting children requires cooperation between law enforcement, families, and community institutions.
“It is a trend that must stop,” he said.
Experts note that crimes involving the abuse of children cause long-lasting emotional, psychological, and physical harm.
Such violations can undermine a child’s sense of safety, trust, and well-being, often requiring years of support and therapy.
These acts also damage communities by creating an environment of fear, breaking family structures, and eroding confidence in social systems meant to safeguard children.
Kenyan law treats such offences severely. Under Section 162 of the Penal Code, perpetrators face up to 21 years in prison, while offences classified under Section 165 attract up to five years’ imprisonment. These laws are intended to protect vulnerable individuals and deter offenders.
Security experts and counsellors recommend several practical measures communities and families can adopt to reduce such cases:
Residents are encouraged to look out for unusual behaviour, suspicious adults, or unsafe environments for children, and report concerns early.
They have also been urged to teach children about personal safety and parents to monitor who their children interact with.
Elkana’s Mashinani team and similar community-based organisations have been providing additional layers of protection.
Elkana has called on the church and other religious leaders to step in, emphasizing their role in reinforcing positive family values,educating congregations about child protection, guiding families toward safe and healthy community practices.
He has also called for provision of support for survivors and families to helps reduce long-term trauma.
Community leaders also recommended rehabilitation programs for offenders to prevent repeat crimes.
Police and community groups say such cases have been rising in parts of the coast, prompting calls for more targeted awareness campaigns, improved law enforcement presence, and stronger cooperation between families, schools, and local authorities.
Investigations into the Nyali case are ongoing, with residents expressing hope that the suspect will be arrested swiftly. Elkana reiterated that any information shared will be treated confidentially and appealed for unity in protecting children across the region.
