Rights group allowed to join FGM case by Samburu resident

NAIROBI: A non-governmental organisation has been allowed to participate as amicus curiae in a case where an allegedly circumcised minor wants criminal charges against her husband quashed.

 

East Africa Centre for Law and Justice had asked Justice Abigael Mshila to enjoin them as an interested party but the petitioner (the minor) opposed.

The petitioner, who allegedly faced female genital mutilation (FGM) in Samburu County before being married, wants the State stopped from charging her husband with aiding FGM.

In April, the girl filed a petition challenging the prosecution of her husband. She said she was an adult and was married under the Samburu customary law and has not complained, as should be in the criminal proceedings.

Through lawyer Steve Biko Osur, she said the Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions are qualified and competent enough to take care of the issues of public interest as raised by the human rights body.

The case will be heard on October 13.