Four schoolgirls saved from early marriages

By JOSEPH MUCHIRI

Children officers assisted by local Provincial Administration have rescued four schoolgirls who had been married off in Makima area, Mbeere South District.

Two girls who are in Class Seven and Class Eight at Ndune Primary School were already pregnant upon their rescue.

Area children’s officer Grace Nyawira said medical examination carried out on one of the girls revealed that she had been defiled while examinations on the others will be conducted later. 

The officer lamented that early marriages are deeply rooted in the area and are being conducted secretly.   She said the department together with the teachers have been holding regular sessions on pregnancy and life skills.

The area also records high rates of absenteeism and truancy as pupils provide labour in the vast green grams, maize and cotton fields.

“It is shocking that one of the girls was married off to a parent at the school, another one to a local businessman while a third one eloped with a tout. The fourth girl aged 17 and who is sitting her KCPE is said to have been impregnated by a Class Seven schoolmate,” said Nyawira.

She said the 20-year-old boy had stayed out of school for many years where he was engaged in business and only resumed last year.

A teacher who requested anonymity said though the school has 334 pupils, the number declines with time and in some years, the school can even count an average of 200 pupils.

Meanwhile, the children’s department in Embu is hunting for 17 parents accused of neglecting and abandoning their children.

Embu West District Children Officer Irene Komu said they would apply for warrants of arrest against 11 women and seven men for allegedly failing to show up in her office for violating the rights of the minors.

Abide by law

Speaking to the media in her office yesterday, Ms Komu said the department aims at ensuring the rights of children are protected thus no one who infringes on the rights of children will be tolerated. 

She advised people who are summoned to her office to come and provide information, failure to which they will face the law.

“It is unconstitutional for any parent to neglect or abandon a child on whatever circumstances, be it economic hardship or by virtue of parents’ separation. It is the responsibility of the parents to take care and provide for their children,” said Komu.

She said the Constitution guarantees the rights of every child and all parents must abide by the law.