Standard Seven pupil abandons school in Kwale after detention of her adult ‘lover’

Kwale, Kenya: A Standard Seven pupil has refused to resume school after her adult male lover was detained by police.

They were arrested together after complaints by her parents but she was set free while her alleged lover, who works in the area, remained in police custody.

It has been alleged that the pupil from a school in Msambweni has been having an affair with the man and was arrested on Tuesday after her parents reported the matter.

"The suspect was arrested by police at his Mwongotoni home in Ramisi and locked at Msambweni Police Station while the girl was taken for a medical examination," said Uhuru Musa, her uncle.

Musa, who was speaking to journalists in Kwale Town, sought counseling for the pupil and prosecution of the man.

"The girl has now refused to go to school until the suspect is released. We are worried our daughter's life may be ruined and so we want any assistance accorded to her," Uhuru said on Thursday.

Musa said that the girl went to Class Seven after dismal performance in last year's Kenya Certificate of Primary Education.

Now her family claims the man had ignored warnings to keep away from the girl.

He said the minor confessed before the medical experts that she has been having sexual affairs with the suspect.

"There is sufficient evidence to prosecute the suspect but unfortunately he is yet to be taken to court," he added.

A police officer, who cannot be named, however, said that there is no sufficient evidence to prosecute the suspect.

"The two were found together and arrested by police but the girl claimed her grandmother had locked the door too early on Friday and that she had to seek the assistance of the man," said the officer.
Msambweni OCPD Joseph Omijah confirmed the incident and said that he is going to follow up on the matter.

"I will personally follow up on the matter and see what the problem is," he told The Standard outside Kwale Courts on Tuesday.