An eight-year-old girl has been rescued in Dandora, Nairobi, after her mother was allegedly caught subjecting her to female genital mutilation (FGM).
The 32-year-old woman was arrested by police officers from Dandora Police Station after neighbours raised the alarm at Dandora Phase 2 Estate.
According to police, neighbours confronted the woman after allegedly witnessing her perform the act on the child using a surgical blade. Officers, accompanied by the Sub-County Children Officer, responded to the scene and confirmed the incident.
The suspect, identified as Frolence Ngendo Nyambura, had reportedly been restrained by members of the public before she was handed over to the police.
The girl, who had already undergone the mutilation, was rescued and taken to Dandora Phase 3 Health Centre for medical attention. She was later discharged in stable condition and placed in a safe house to support her recovery and protect her from further harm.
The suspect remains in police custody at Dandora Police Station and is expected to face charges of performing FGM under Section 19(1) of the Prohibition of FGM Act, 2011, as well as cruelty to a child under Section 14 of the Children Act, among other charges.
The National Police Service has reiterated its commitment to protecting children from abuse and prosecuting those involved in FGM and other forms of violence against minors.
Police have urged members of the public to report suspected cases of FGM and child abuse through the DCI’s toll-free #FichuaKwaDCI hotline on 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp on 0709 570 000. Reports can be made anonymously.
