Police after boys and men who impregnated seven students

Seven primary and secondary school pupils have been impregnated by their schoolmates and villagers, education officials have said.

The education officials warned that action will be taken against those who sexually abuse minors.

Thursday Voi Sub-County Education Officer (DEO) Kennedy Machora said three girls from Kizumazi Secondary School and two from Kajire Primary School in Sagala Location are pregnant.

He said two other girls from Ghazi and Ngambenyi primary schools are also pregnant. The girls are aged between 12 to 16.

He said a boy has been admitted to Kasigau Health Centre after he took poison upon learning that he was being sought by police for impregnating a girl.

Machora said the boy and the girl had gone missing from school for a week and a manhunt for them was launched. They were found living as man and wife in the boy's grandfather's house.

Machora said the Standard Seven girl was arrested while her "husband" managed to escape.

The DEO said the Standard Eight boy later went to his parents and told them that he had chosen to die to avoid arrest for impregnating the girl.

"The boy told his parents that he is taking poison to die rather than face prosecution. Fortunately the boy was taken to the hospital where is being treated under police guard," said Machoro.

He said the girl was later taken to the hospital for examination where she was confirmed to be pregnant.

The DEO at the same time said a man suspected to have impregnated a Ghazi Primary School girl has been arrested. Police are looking for another man alleged to have also impregnated a a minor.

"Most of the pregnancies are suspected to have occurred during the school holidays. It seems some parents are not serious and they do not take care of their children during holidays," he noted.

Machora said despite the pregnancies, the girls are still in school.

"We have negotiated with the girl's parents to ensure that the victims continue with their education until they deliver. We are also talking to the children's department to see what action will be taken against the teenage boys who impregnated the girls," he said.

Last year, eleven secondary school girls were defiled and impregnated in the county.