This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
On July 8, 2020, a 13-year-old girl was rescued from early marriage in Homa Bay County, Kenya.
The class five pupil, who attends a primary school in Suba Sub-county, had gone missing last month and was found to have been married to a man in Kibwer Sub-location, Gwassi East Location.
According to reports, the girl's headteacher and area assistant chief worked together to rescue her, with the headteacher writing a letter to her brother who had reported her missing.
‘Her brother reported to me that the girl had been married. I wrote a letter which was accompanied by that of the area assistant chief. I am happy that she is back home,’ said the headteacher.
It is alleged that the girl was impregnated by a different man before she opted for the marriage, and the headteacher has confirmed that communication has been made to the relevant authorities about the first defiler.
Suba South Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Maina has stated that police are conducting investigations to ensure legal measures are taken against the suspects.
