3 Charged With Marrying Off A 15 Year Old

The three suspects among them the bridegroom Noor Ahmed, the father Mohamed Hussein and the aunt Harira Keynan were jointly charged for allegedly trying to marry off the 14-year old standard four pupil

The suspects were arrested when police stormed the homestead of the groom when the planned marriage was top take place

The police acted after a tip off from members of the public.

In the first count, the three were charged with subjecting the girl to early marriage contrary to section 15 of the Children Act.

In the second count, the father and the aunt were charged with neglecting the child contrary to section 127(1) (b) of the children act of 2001.

All the suspects denied the charges leveled against them before Resident Magistrate Victor Asiyo.

They were released on a 300,000 shilling bond with a surety of similar amount.

The hearing of the case is slated for the 26th of November 2014.

The 22 years old groom flew from England a few days ago for the wedding with his 15 year wife to be.

Garissa District Education Officer Noor Ibrahim warned parents against marrying off their under-age children saying that they risk being jailed.

By Bonareri Nyamoita