MPs plan to lower age of consensual sex and Twitter erupts
Women activists have protested against the plan to cut the age of consensual sex from 18 to 16.
Through the hashtag, #16StillAChild, women on Twitter explained why the amendment should not be passed by the National Assembly.
The amendment is contained in the omnibus legislation that the national assembly is expected to pass before breaking for Christmas holiday.
Initially, the age of conceptual sex was indicated as 18 years in the Sexual Offences Act but the amendment has 16 years which typically is a form two student.
Those protesting the proposed legislation argue that the move will expose young girls to early pregnancies and marriages.
#16stillachild our girls at 16 are still too young to make rational choices, we need you MPs to do better things #nywl
— Sarah Mwikali Musau (@sarahambitious1) December 19, 2016
#16stillachild legislators should use that sitting allowance to donate sanitary pads to needy girls!
— morpiy shaankua (@morpiy) December 19, 2016
Support this only if you’re willing to buy your 16 year girl condoms as part of her back-to-school shopping. Otherwise #16stillachild
— Milkah Righa (@BintiRigha) December 20, 2016
Let’s move forward and be civilized. Maturity starts after 18years. #16stillachild @janetmachuka_ @sarahambitious1 @CharlesNMaina1
— Elizabeth Okullow (@elizokullow) December 19, 2016
At 16, girls deserves parental care & support NOT early marriage. Stop Kenyan legislators#16StillAChild #NYWL @dandelionkenya @Oayouthkenya
— citizens.Counts (@unyimeabasi) December 19, 2016