Police officers in Maralal are searching for a 48-year-old nurse who had married a 13-year-old girl as his second wife in Lodekojek village of Samburu County.
Confirming the incident, Samburu Central Sub-County Police Commander Sylvester Rotich said that the minor, who had just sat her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams, was rescued by Lodekojek location chief after he was tipped off by members of the public.
He said that the nurse, Phillip Lenmerdete, who works at a local health centre, fled after he saw the area chief heading to his house.
“The girl was rescued and was taken to the Suguta Rescue Centre where she is being taken care of as we continue looking for the nurse,” Rotich said.
The police boss warned parents and men against early marriages, especially during the ongoing school holidays.
“It is very disappointing that an educated member of the society is marrying a 13-year-old girl. Parents and residents should be vigilant and stop this from happening,” he warned.
He also urged residents to provide useful information that will lead to the arrest of the nurse.
