Jumwa wants pregnant teenagers arrested, prosecuted together with accused boy child

Malindi Member of Parliament Aisha Jumwa is now demanding for effective implementation of the law while dealing with teenage pregnancy.

This follows a perennial habit of arraigning only the male child involved in teenage pregnancy while leaving the pregnant teenager scot free.

The MP said that pregnant teenagers should also be arrested and prosecuted in court as a way of enhancing equality before the law.

Speaking on Saturday, during an academic day celebration at Barani Secondary school in Kilifi, Jumwa said time was nigh for police and county commissioners to take equal action on both parties involved in such cases.

“I have been wondering why it’s only the boy child who is arraigned when it comes to teenage pregnancy cases. Girls should also be prosecuted because the law does not favour anyone,” said Jumwa.

She also added: “I would like to urge police commander of this area to also arrest the impregnated girl when they are arresting the suspected boy who made her pregnant.”

The MP’s sentiments come in the wake of ongoing sensitization campaign in the county which seeks to educate parents and teenagers on the eradication of teenage pregnancies.

This year, Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) tackling gender-based violence in Kilifi County reported that over 17,000 teenage pregnancies were recorded last year in that county.

However, Kilifi North MP Owen Baya dismissed the reports saying it was exaggerated.

While seeking to address the runaway cases of teenage pregnancy, Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi in the month of May directed the county’s law enforcement officers to undertake impromptu inspections of alcohol dens that allow children.