An eight-year-old girl has been rescued in Dandora, Nairobi, after she was allegedly subjected to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), leading to the arrest of her 32-year-old mother.
The incident happened in Dandora Phase 2 Estate after neighbours reportedly raised an alarm and confronted the woman, identified as Frolence Ngendo Nyambura, over the alleged act involving her daughter.
Police officers from Dandora Police Station responded to the scene alongside the Sub-County Children Officer and found the minor had already undergone the procedure.
The suspect had been restrained by members of the public before she was handed over to the police.
The girl was taken to Dandora Phase 3 Health Centre for medical attention following the incident.
She was later discharged in stable condition before being placed in a safe house for protection and further recovery.
Police said the intervention followed a report from neighbours who became concerned after allegedly witnessing what was happening to the child.
The mother remains in police custody at Dandora Police Station as investigations continue.
She is expected to be charged under laws that prohibit FGM and protect children from abuse.
The charges include performing FGM contrary to Section 19(1) of the Prohibition of FGM Act, 2011, and cruelty to a child under Section 14 of the Children Act.
Additional charges may be preferred depending on the outcome of investigations.
The case has once again drawn attention to the protection of children from practices that can expose them to serious physical and psychological harm.
The National Police Service said it would continue working with child protection officers, communities and other stakeholders to respond to cases involving abuse of children.
Police also urged members of the public to report suspected cases of FGM and other forms of child abuse so that victims can be rescued and those responsible brought before the courts.
The suspect is expected to be presented in court after police complete the necessary investigations and processing.
