14-Year-Old Girl From Mandera Rescued in Nairobi Amid Child Marriage Allegations

A 14-year-old girl from Mandera County, identified as Anab Noor, has been rescued in Nairobi by Nairobi County Executive Committee Member Geoffrey Mosiria following allegations that she was illegally married to a 46-year-old man identified as Mzee Abdi Gafaar.

According to authorities, this 46-year-old used a false birth certificate that indicated that the lady was 17 years old when they got married.

However, tests conducted on her age have indicated that she is actually 14 years old.

The man has been arrested and charged, while the young woman is undergoing medical examinations.

According to reports, the couple has been married for two years, during which time they might have started their relationship when the girl was just 12 years old.

It has emerged that this victim had not been going to school and had limited knowledge of Kiswahili.

It has further come out that she had been living in confinement inside the house in which she was learning privately.

The lady has gotten pregnant and has mouth infections associated with sexual intercourse.

Arrest and Investigation

Abdi Gafaar was apprehended late Wednesday, May 7, evening, and is currently being held at Kasarani Police Station.

Gafaar is expected to be charged with the offenses soon.

An investigation by Mosiria has revealed that there were discrepancies within the documentation for the marriage; in particular, it has been alleged that a forged birth certificate was presented during validation of the marriage.

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Validity of Marriage

According to Mzee Abdi Gafaar, the marriage was legal.

He explains that the parents of the young lady had agreed to the marriage, which was conducted via Somali tradition.

In addition, he mentions that the marriage was documented by way of an original document from the relevant authorities in Mandera.

Moreover, he refers to Islamic practices and Somalian cultural practices, indicating that Islam permits marriage for girls once they attain sexual maturity at ages ranging from 9, 10, 11, or 12 years.

In addition, he mentioned that he witnessed another similar marriage of a woman aged 9, who later sired a child at age 11.

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Ages and Paperwork Contradictions

While the national ID belonging to Mzee Abdi indicates that he is 46 years old, acquaintances suggest that he may actually be over 50 years old.

According to findings made by Mosiria, there are conflicting reports regarding the time of the marriage, with some alleging that Mzee Abdi married Anab Noor when she was 12 years old.

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A photo of a man in police handcuffs. PHOTO/ istock images