NYERI,Kenya,Apr, 5 – Police in Nyeri have two days to hold five women and two men after they were arraigned for abetting Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Mukurweini, Nyeri County.
Resident Magistrate Damacline Nyakundi directed that the suspects be held at Mukurweini Police station after they were arrested on Monday.
Police officers led by Area Sub County Commander Patrick Manyasi rescued eight girls from a home where six of the girls had already underwent the cut.
The owner of the home escaped the police dragnet but police are still investigating the suspects.
Suspects were identified in court as Christine Thenya, Alice Wandia, Cecilia Nyaguthii, Rose Mumbi and Esther Ng’endo, with their male counterparts being Aloise Waweru and Wahome Muriuki.
The investigating officer, Elizabeth Mwikali, gave testimony that the suspects were arrested on April 4 after receiving reports of girls who had been rushed to Mukurwe ini Level 4 Hospital bleeding profusely.
Lead Prosecutor Daniel Muthee sought six days to interrogate and record statements from the suspects and witnesses, as well as more time to recover items used in the act.
They further said they needed time to assess the victim’s age and have their P3 forms signed, arguing that the time sought was reasonable considering the victims are minors.
Defence lawyer Ruo Mwarura argued that there were no compelling reasons to detain the suspects as the prosecution did not show the likelihood of interference with the investigations, adding that the suspects have fixed abode in the area.
Muthee, on his part, however argued that the offense is serious and the risks of flight and interference are real.
The court learnt that two of the suspects are parents of some of the victims who are minors.
Ruling on the bail application will be delivered on April 7.
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