NAIROBI, Kenya — Police have arrested a 47-year-old man following the death of his nine-year-old daughter in Kibra, Nairobi, after she was allegedly sexually assaulted and brutally assaulted.
The suspect, identified as Norman Swahili, was arrested after the child was rushed to hospital in critical condition on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
According to preliminary police findings, officers at Kibra Police Station received a distress call reporting that the girl had been seriously assaulted.
Police officers, accompanied by members of the community policing team, responded to the report and travelled to the scene.
However, they were informed that the suspect had already taken the injured child to Mbagathi Hospital in an attempt to seek medical treatment.
The officers proceeded to the hospital, where they were informed that the nine-year-old had been pronounced dead on arrival.
Police find signs of severe injuries
Preliminary examination of the child’s body revealed multiple bruises and swellings across different parts of her body.
Investigators also noted that the girl had recently lost an upper incisor tooth, adding to concerns over the severity of the injuries she had allegedly sustained.
Further examination indicated that the child had also been sexually assaulted, according to preliminary findings cited by investigators.
Her body was subsequently moved to Nairobi Funeral Home, where it is being preserved pending a postmortem examination.
The autopsy is expected to provide further information about the nature and extent of the injuries and help establish the cause of death.
Father remains in police custody
Swahili was arrested following the child’s death and remains in police custody as detectives process the case.
Investigators are expected to gather additional evidence before the suspect is taken to court.
The circumstances leading to the child’s death, including the sequence of events surrounding the alleged assault and the extent of the suspect’s involvement, will form part of the investigation.
The allegations have not been tested in court, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
DCI warns against violence and child abuse
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) condemned the alleged assault and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
The agency warned members of the public against violence, sexual abuse and other forms of mistreatment of children.
The DCI said it would continue pursuing suspects involved in serious offences against children and would take lawful action against anyone found culpable.
The case has also renewed concerns over the protection of children from violence and sexual abuse, particularly within environments where children should ordinarily be safest.
