Dad arrested for marrying off 14-year-old daughter to 82-year-old man

A father was arrested after he married off his 14-year-old daughter to an 82-year-old man in Rombo, Loitoktok, in Kajiado county.

The dad, who had allegedly received Sh50,000 from the man, attempted to run, but the police caught up with him, and he was arrested.

The girl’s father said the decision to marry off his daughter was informed by the lack of money to pay her school fees.

However, with the determination to continue with her studies, the 14-year-old girl ran away from home and found shelter in a classroom in Olioborsoit primary school where she spent the night in the cold.

According to a resident, the girl was found in one of the classrooms the next day and took her home. 

The girl’s father was arrested as is currently awaiting arraignment in court as the 82-year-old man who received the Sh50,000 in the form of dowry remains a fugitive.

The incident comes weeks after a shocking report showing the increase in teenage pregnancies countrywide during the COVID-19 period.

In June, County Children Coordinator Philip Nzenge said his office documented 15 cases of girls getting pregnant of married off between ages 13 to 17.

Data from the Ministry of Health also showed that 11 percent of teenage girls in Kenya engage in sexual activities before turning 15.

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