An eight-year-old girl has been rescued after she was subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM) in Dandora Phase 2 Estate, Nairobi, leading to the arrest of her 32-year-old mother.
The incident came to light after neighbours raised an alarm and confronted the woman, identified as Frolence Ngendo Nyambura, after they reportedly found her carrying out the act on her daughter using a surgical blade.
Police officers from Dandora Police Station responded to the scene after receiving information about the incident.
They were accompanied by the Sub-County Children Officer as they moved to intervene and establish what had happened.
According to the police, the suspect had been restrained by members of the public by the time officers arrived. She was taken into police custody and is currently being held at Dandora Police Station as investigations continue.
The young girl, who had already undergone the mutilation, was immediately removed from the scene and taken to Dandora Phase 3 Health Centre for medical attention.
She was treated at the health facility and later discharged in stable condition. Authorities then placed her in a safe home to provide protection and allow her to recover away from the environment where the incident occurred.
The case has raised renewed attention to the protection of children from FGM, a practice that remains illegal in Kenya. The law prohibits carrying out FGM on girls and women and provides for criminal penalties against those involved.
Nyambura is expected to face charges of performing FGM contrary to Section 19(1) of the Prohibition of FGM Act, 2011. She will also face a charge of cruelty to a child contrary to Section 14 of the Children Act, among other charges that may arise from investigations.
Police are expected to continue gathering information on the circumstances surrounding the incident, including what led to the minor being subjected to the procedure and whether anyone else was involved.
The rescue also highlights the role played by members of the community in alerting authorities when children are believed to be at risk.
In this case, neighbours intervened after reportedly witnessing what was happening and alerted the police, leading to the girl’s rescue and the arrest of the suspect.
The National Police Service said it remains committed to protecting children from abuse and ensuring that those involved in FGM face the law.
The Service has also said it will continue working with child protection officers, communities and other stakeholders to prevent FGM and other forms of violence against children.
For the rescued girl, the immediate focus remains on her recovery and safety following the incident. Her placement in a safe home is intended to ensure she remains protected as authorities handle the criminal case.
The case comes as Kenyan authorities continue efforts to end FGM and protect children from practices that can cause physical and emotional harm.
Under Kenyan law, performing FGM on a child is a criminal offence, with authorities empowered to investigate and prosecute those responsible.
