Man charged with torturing, neglecting 3-year-old stepdaughter in Mombasa

A 25-year-old man was on Tuesday charged before a Mombasa court with child cruelty after allegedly torturing and neglecting his three-year-old stepdaughter in Likoni sub-county.

Caleb Omondi appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Erick Wambo, where he faced one count of cruelty to a child, contrary to Section 152(1)(a) of the Children Act, 2022. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecution stated that the accused committed the offence on diverse dates between July 19, 2026, and August 15, 2026, in the Shonda area of Likoni.

The court heard that Omondi, who was the guardian of the minor, willfully assaulted and ill-treated the girl, causing her severe bodily harm.

The incident came to light following a broadcast by Citizen TV on Monday, which detailed how the suspect was left to care for the toddler while her mother was admitted to the hospital to deliver another child.

According to neighbours, distressed cries were heard coming from the locked house. Upon breaking entry, residents found the minor alone with visible injuries across her legs, hands, and body.

Local community members and village administrators subsequently apprehended Omondi and escorted him to the police station.

The victim was rushed to a local hospital for medical attention and has since been moved to a secure rescue centre.

During the arraignment, Prosecution Counsel Yassir Mohammed strongly opposed the immediate release of the suspect on bond. Mohammed urged the court to order a pre-bail report, citing the gravity of the injuries inflicted on the minor.

Magistrate Wambo directed the probation department to prepare a comprehensive pre-bail report to assist the court in determining suitable bail and bond terms.

The accused will remain in custody pending a mention of the case scheduled for September 1, 2026.