The local football community in Mombasa is reeling after a youth coach allegedly turned predator. Mbarak Swaleh, alias “Coaches,” appeared before a Mombasa court today charged with defiling a 12-year-old player he was supposed to train and mentor.
Swaleh faces multiple charges under the Sexual Offences Act, including defilement and committing an indecent act with a child. Court documents allege the abuse occurred repeatedly between January and August 14, 2025, at Fort Jesus football field in Mvita Sub-County.
The shocking details reveal that Swaleh allegedly lured the Grade Six pupil into a storeroom under the pretext of retrieving training equipment, before sexually assaulting him multiple times. He reportedly applied a substance he called “power shot oil” on the child, claiming it would enhance his athletic performance — a sinister guise for abuse.
The abuse came to light on August 16, 2025, when the boy confided in his mother. She confronted other coaches at the club in the presence of the child, who repeated the allegations. Police were alerted, leading to Swaleh’s arrest, with medical examinations confirming the minor’s complaints.
Magistrate Odhiambo granted Swaleh a Sh500,000 bond with a similar surety, ordering him to provide two contacts reachable should he fail to appear in court. The case will be mentioned again on September 8, 2025.
This case has sent shockwaves across Mombasa, raising urgent questions about child safety in youth sports.
