• Last week, the court released 46 girls after testifying, with 43 others starting their hearing on Monday.
• During the hearing, 22 minors testified against their parents at before they were repatriated to their homes.
Image: MANUEL ODENY,
Kehancha law court has started hearing FGM cases affecting schoolgoing children ahead of the national examinations set for next week.
Some 100 girls have been at Manga Children Remand Prison in Nyamira county following a crackdown during the December holidays.
The premises are used as a remand home to children offenders and those in need of protection and care.
Last week, the court released 46 girls after testifying, with 43 others starting their hearing on Monday.
During the hearing, 22 minors testified against their parents at before they were repatriated to their homes.
The 89 girls, some whom are candidates, missed out on their third term learning as they were among those whose parents had been arrested.
Data from the court indicated that 57 parents were on remand after they were charged with abetting FGM, while 16 others are missing.
The cases were heard in camera.
“We thank the Judiciary for offering special hearing for the girls.The ones who have been released after testifying have been integrated with their families and we hope no candidate will miss the national examination,” Susan Matinde, chair of Goceso Women Network, said.
Matinde, an activist in Kuria, said while delayed December holidays are short, they fear more girls will undergo the mutilation as they will be out of school for two and a half months.
Last week, Kehancha resident magistrate Anne Karimi said 50 parents were granted a Sh500,000 bond each, while seven were convicted on their own plea of guilt. Karimi spoke in Kehancha town during an anti-FGM stakeholders meeting.
Janet Robi, Mabera subcounty Children’s officer and Amref Health Africa programmes officer Charles Olambwa said the cases will be heard through April 29 as witnesses — police and doctors — testify.
“There were fears that having the children remain with their parents would jeopardize the ongoing investigations. We have been seeking to have them testify in the ongoing proceedings before they are released back to their homes,” Olambwa said.
(Edited by Francis Wadegu)