An eight-year-old girl has been rescued and placed in a safe home after her mother was allegedly caught subjecting her to female genital mutilation in Dandora, Nairobi. Police arrested the 32-year-old woman following an intervention by neighbours who raised the alarm.
Highlights
- Police arrested a 32-year-old woman in Dandora over alleged FGM.
- The victim is her eight-year-old daughter.
- Neighbours reportedly intervened after witnessing the alleged act.
- The girl received treatment at Dandora Phase 3 Health Centre.
- The suspect is expected to face charges under Kenya’s FGM and child protection laws.
Main Story
8-year-old rescued after alleged FGM incident
An eight-year-old girl is receiving protection after allegedly being subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM) by her mother in Dandora, Nairobi.
The incident reportedly took place in Dandora Phase 2 Estate, where neighbours raised the alarm after allegedly witnessing the woman carrying out the act on her daughter.
The suspect was identified as 32-year-old Frolence Ngendo Nyambura.
According to police, the woman was allegedly using a surgical blade when neighbours intervened and confronted her. Members of the public reportedly restrained her before officers from Dandora Police Station arrived.
Police were accompanied by a Sub-County Children Officer, and authorities said they confirmed the incident at the scene.
Girl receives medical attention
The child had already been subjected to the procedure by the time officers intervened.
She was immediately taken to Dandora Phase 3 Health Centre, where she received medical care. She was later discharged in stable condition.
Authorities subsequently placed the girl in a safe home to protect her from further harm while she recovers from the traumatic experience.
Mother faces criminal charges
The suspect remains in police custody at Dandora Police Station as investigations continue.
She is expected to face charges relating to allegedly performing FGM, contrary to Section 19(1) of the Prohibition of FGM Act, 2011. She also faces a charge of cruelty to a child under Section 14 of the Children Act, among other possible charges.
The case has once again highlighted the importance of community intervention in protecting children from harmful practices.
Police said they will continue working with child protection agencies and members of the public to investigate cases of FGM and other forms of abuse.
The National Police Service has reiterated its commitment to protecting children and ensuring those responsible for violence against minors are held accountable.
Protecting a child is a responsibility shared by families, communities and institutions and sometimes, speaking up at the right moment can prevent lasting harm.
