Police in Homa Bay county are holding two men accused of preying on underage girls.
One of them is a 26-year-old bodaboda operator accused of marrying and living with a class seven pupil since February last year.
Samuel Ochieng, who has allegedly been cohabiting with the 16-year-old girl was arrested in Kalanya Kanyango location.
The couple has been living in a rented house in Marindi Trading Center within Homa Bay Town sub county, as was confirmed by Kalanya Kanyango location chief Frederick Onyango.
“Some residents of the area called my office saying that a man was staying with a young girl who engaged in house chores. The neighbours were concerned that the minor was not going to school,” he was quoted by the Nation.
Meanwhile, Pius Otieno was also arrested in the same area for also marrying a class seven pupil who hails and learns at a primary school in Rangwe.
The arrest was confirmed by Homa Bay Sub County Children's Officer Joseph Otieno.
“We do not tolerate people who violate the rights of children especially girls. The two men who have been arrested will serve as an example to everyone who intends to marry a minor. They will not be spared,” said Mr Otieno.
The accused hails from Nyakatch in Kisumu county and is said to have lured the girl to his house and took her in as his wife.