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Murkomen puts chiefs abetting early marriages on notice
24th September, 2025 03:38 PM
Interior Ministry Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, put chiefs aiding early marriages on notice.
Speaking in Wajir County during the Jukwaa La Usalama, Murkomen likened chiefs, sub-chiefs and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) to heads of families.
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He said it is impossible for something to happen in a community, and the chiefs claim they are not aware.
Chiefs under scrutiny
Murkomen pointed to a recent case, saying, “Kuna ile maneno niliona kwa TV ya kupeana msichana wa miaka kumi na tatu cha lazima.”
He condemned the practice of forcing minors into marriage, terming it gender and sex-based violence.
He further stated, “Na mtu akiulizwa anasema hii ni kawaida ya Wasomali. Hakuna kitu kama kawaida.”
According to the Cabinet Secretary, no cultural justification can permit such actions, since the laws of Kenya are clear.
Call for accountability
Murkomen emphasised, “Sheria ya Kenya inasema any sexual involvement with under 18 years is defilement na ni violence.”
He reminded chiefs that nothing in their localities can happen without their knowledge, insisting, “Hakuna kitu inafanyika kwa jamii bila wazee na machiefs kujua.”
Moreover, he posed a rhetorical question to the administrators, “Kuna chief anasema hajui kitu? Si machief mnajua kila kitu?” Murkomen said legal action will be taken against chiefs who fail to stop forced child marriages.
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All the same, the CS praised local education efforts, citing the number of students progressing in schools.
“Nikiona washina 700 wa sehemu hii wakiwa shule nafurahia sana,” he said, adding encouragement to girls, “Wasichana hakikisha ya kwamba mnaskuma masomo yenu.”
Additionally, Murkomen urged communities to work together with the government to stamp out early marriages, warning that failure to act will see the state come down heavily on perpetrators.
