WATAMU, Kenya — Detectives have arrested an 85-year-old Swiss national in Watamu, Kilifi County, over allegations of defiling a 15-year-old girl.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) identified the suspect as Gisler Emil Johann. He was arrested after police received a tip-off from members of the public that a foreigner had been seen in the company of a juvenile at a villa in Watamu.
According to investigators, the case began on February 1, 2026, when the girl’s parents reported her missing. Efforts to trace her initially proved unsuccessful.
Acting on new information, officers moved to the residence where the suspect was allegedly staying and found him with the minor inside the house. He was immediately taken into custody.
The girl was rescued and escorted to Gede Sub-County Hospital for medical examination and assessment as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police said the suspect remains in custody, undergoing processing pending his arraignment in court. He is expected to face charges under the Sexual Offences Act, which prescribes severe penalties for defilement, particularly where the victim is a minor.
In a statement, the DCI reaffirmed its commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable members of society.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations remains steadfast in conducting thorough investigations to ensure perpetrators of such heinous crimes are held accountable,” the agency said.
Authorities also urged members of the public to continue sharing information that could assist in investigations. Reports can be made anonymously through the DCI’s toll-free hotline 0800 722 203 or via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000 under the #FichuaKwaDCI initiative.
Under Kenyan law, defilement of a child aged between 12 and 15 years attracts a minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment upon conviction. Courts have consistently emphasised the need for deterrent sentences in cases involving minors, citing the lasting psychological and physical harm inflicted on victims.
Police said investigations are ongoing and additional details will be provided once the suspect is formally charged in court.
