Seven suspects arraigned for conducting FGM in Nyeri

The seven suspects on Tuesday appeared before resident Magistrate Damacline Bosibori Nyakundi at a Nyeri court after being arrested on Monday.

The court directed that they be detained at Mukurweini Police Station pending a ruling on their bail application.

Police rescued eight girls from a home of a suspect who is said to have escaped the police dragnet. Out of the eight girls, six are believed to have undergone the cut.

The women have been identified as Christine Thenya, Alice Wandia, Cecilia Nyaguthii, Rose Mumbi and Esther Ng'endo, with their male counterparts being Aloise Waweru and Wahome Muriuki.

According to the testimony by the investigating officer, Elizabeth Mwikali, the suspects were arrested on April 4 after receiving reports of girls who had been rushed to Mukurwe ini Level 4 Hospital bleeding profusely.

The prosecution led by Daniel Muthee sought 6 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.

However, the 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.

The ruling on the bail application will be delivered on April 7.