A man is being held at Athi River Police Station after he was arrested on Thursday night for allegedly marrying a 17-year-old girl in Makadara Estate, Mavoko sub-county of Machakos County.
According to the area Assistant Chief Martin Ngomo, the minor had been reported missing from her home on March 4, raising alarm among family members and local authorities.
A search was launched, which later led to the discovery that the girl had allegedly been married off to a young man within the estate.
“The girl went missing on March 4, 2026, when students went home for mid-term, and we later established that she had gotten married to a young man in Makadara Estate. She is also two months pregnant. We arrested the suspect, and he will be appearing in court,” said the administrator.
Ngomo revealed that the incident is not isolated, noting that it is the third such case reported in the area in the past year.
He said local authorities had already taken action in the previous two incidents, signaling a worrying trend of underage girls being lured or forced into early marriages.
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He expressed concern about the rising number of cases, warning that such practices not only violate the law but also deprive young girls of their right to education and a better future.
“The government will not remain silent on such cases that force girls out of school. We are committed to ensuring that those involved are brought to justice,” he added.
By Agnes Orango
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