This archive report was first published on 16 August 2019.
On August 16, 2019, Deputy President William Ruto made a stern warning to the community in Marigat, Baringo County, during an Ilchamus traditional wedding ceremony.
He was speaking at the wedding of local politician Amos Lempaka, where he emphasized the importance of preserving traditions while also protecting the rights of girls to pursue their education.
‘My mother’s age mates and others underwent the cut during those days; let anyone try that on my daughters…they will see me!’ Ruto said, warning against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
He added that those found guilty of circumcising girls would face the law, and that the community must give girls a chance to pursue their studies.
Female circumcision has been linked to difficulties during childbirth, and Ruto warned the community not to expose their daughters to genital mutilation.
His daughters, June Chepchirchir, Stephanie, Nadia, and Cherlene Ruto, are all at different stages of their education and careers.
