“We have confirmed that Ng’ombe forced his daughter into marriage with Barasa early this month,” said the administrator.
According to the chief, Ng’ombe grabbed and forcefully walked the daughter to Barasa’s homestead after the latter had settled Kshs 3,000, which the two men had negotiated as the payment for dowry.
“The girl was not given a chance to either consent or object to the unexpected
marriage arrangement between her father and the alleged suitor,” observed Davava.
Eye witnesses told the press the girl was locked inside Wanjala’s house since the day she was married off on 5th of November.
“However, earlier this week the girl managed to escape from the man’s grip and rushed home where she recounted to her mother and area village elder the brutality she had gone through,” said Mrs. Kulali.
After receiving the report from the village elder, the local administrator moved with speed and arrested the two men before she handed them to police officers at Mlimani patrol base and later transferred to Turbo police station where they were locked for an investigation to be carried out before being arraigned in court.
The girl, who had several injuries all over her body, was taken to Mautuma Sub County Hospital where she is undergoing treatment.
While condemning the incident, the local chief issued a stern warning against underage marriages in the area.
“We won’t allow old fashioned norms to take root in our locality,” warned Davava.
She instead urged parents and guardians to heavily invest in their kids’ education regardless of their gender.
Lugari Sub County Children Officer, Mr Maurice Okiru assured members of the public that his department would legally follow up the matter to its logical conclusion.