Alarm over high Female Genital Mutilation cases in Central
Wangari Njuguna and KNA
The Anti-FGM Board has raised alarm over increased cases of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Mount Kenya region.
At the same time, the agency has warned those behind the retrogressive cultural practice they risk prosecution.
FGM involves the total or partial removal of external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
She said they are investigating several FGM cases in the region saying that they would first embark on a programme to educate people on negative effects of the outdated practice.
“FGM prevalence among members of the Kikuyu community currently stands at 26 per cent.
It’s a worrying trend considering people from Central region are deemed educated and well conversant with negative effects of FGM,” said Pareyio during a consultative forum at Murang’a County Commissioner’s office.
Her remarks comes as a woman from Kandara subcounty in Murang’a claimed she was forcibly subjected to FGM by her husband.
The woman claimed problems in her marriage started when her husband joined a cultural group that advocates for and perpetuates FGM.
The Anti-FGM Board and the County boss Fredrick Ndunga have, however, downplayed the reports saying she was only assaulted by the husband.
“Two medical assessments were done and none proved that the woman actually underwent FGM.
We are still investigating the matter to know the truth of the matter and what really transpired,” Nunga said.
In 2011, the government passed a law that prohibits FGM and imposes tough penalties on perpetrators.
She observed intensive sensitisation programme targeting young people on the dangers of the practice needs to be rolled out in the region.
Investigating matter
“FGM is quite high in 22 counties. Murang’a is not one of them but we are investigating to know the reality and apprehend those who may want to bring back the vice among members of the Kikuyu community,” she added.
Among the communities leading in conducting FGM are Kisii, Maasai, Samburu and Somali.
Pareyio said the board shall roll out a massive sensitization campaign against the practice in the area to make people understand its a harmful procedure and a violation of women rights.
“FGM has no health benefits and it’s the worst form of human assault that can be done to anyone,” she added.
Ndunga asked area residents to provide security officers with factual information and avoid peddling malicious rumours, especially on such sensitive issues.
“We are also investigating cults which are said to be behind the resurgence of FGM and soon we will get into the bottom of the matter. Nobody will be spared if found culpable,” added Ndunga.
