Kajiado chief faces interdiction for ‘abetting’ forced teen marriage
A 16-year-old girl who was married off to a 45-year-old man, with her baby at the Kajiado County Commissioners office on February 13, 2023.
A chief from Kajiado Central sub-county is staring at disciplinary action for allegedly abetting the forced marriage of a 16-year-old girl to a man aged 45.
The administrator is accused of colluding with the Form Three girl's parents to marry her off last year.
The girl from Nkinto village was rescued last week by local child rights crusaders and police officers.
The girl alleged that her pleas for help from the administrator fell on deaf ears.
"When I learned that plans were under way to marry me off, I reported the matter to the local chief but he turned me away. After being married off, I ran back to him again but he sent me back to the man," said the girl who has been taken to a rescue centre where she will be able to continue with her education.
Ms Eve Merin, a girls’ rights crusader, said the trend of marrying off girls is alarming in the vast Kajiado County. She said the girls are being forced to undergo female genital mutilation before they are married off.
The situation is worse, especially now that Kajiado residents are grappling with the effects of drought. Sex predators are said to be targeting young girls in exchange for food.
"More girls are being married off secretly and we have raised the alarm. Let the security organs move with speed to stop the vice," said Ms Merin.
Kajiado County Commissioner Felix Watikila said the police have launched a manhunt for the 45- year-old man who has since gone into hiding.
"We are combing the villages in search of the culprit, he must face the law,” he said
'It's unfortunate that an administrator who is supposed to protect children from retrogressive practices is in the frontline to abet it. Such a person does not deserve to serve as a chief, he will face disciplinary action,” Mr Watikila added.
