Tharaka-Nithi Woman Representative Susan Ngugi has disputed the claim that 27% of residents in Igambang’ombe practice Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), demanding credible evidence to support the statistic. Ngugi, a candidate for the Tharaka-Nithi gubernatorial seat in 2027, highlighted the absence of arrests or rescues linked to FGM in the area, questioning the validity of the figure. Her remarks followed a sensitization event in Kathwana, where government officials and lawmakers discussed anti-FGM strategies, including Anti-FGM Board Chairperson Ipato Korema Surum and Kitui West MP Edith Vethi Nyenze. Ngugi emphasized that without concrete data, portraying Igambang’ombe as a high-prevalence zone risks unfairly damaging its reputation and misdirecting interventions.
Ngugi accused some non-governmental organizations of potentially exploiting FGM claims to secure donor funding, urging stakeholders to prioritize accuracy in reporting. She reiterated her opposition to FGM, calling it a harmful practice that must be eradicated, and stressed that perpetrators should face legal consequences. However, she criticized the lack of actionable data, asking, "If you say Igambang’ombe has 27% FGM, where are the people who have been arrested? Where are the parents who have been arrested?" The representative also raised concerns about the area’s development, describing Igambang’ombe as a semi-arid region neglected by government programs despite its challenges.
The debate unfolded during Ngugi’s visit to Kathwana, where she supported the Karori Self-Welfare Group by distributing tents and 100 chairs. Attendees included Tana River Woman Representative Amina Abdullahi Dika and other officials, underscoring the regional focus on FGM and development. Ngugi called for targeted interventions to address Igambang’ombe’s underdevelopment, arguing that policies must align with on-the-ground realities. Her remarks reflect broader tensions between advocacy efforts and the need for evidence-based policymaking in communities where cultural practices intersect with legal and social reforms.
Ngugi’s comments highlight the complexities of addressing FGM in regions where data collection and enforcement remain inconsistent. While she condemned the practice, her emphasis on data accuracy underscores the importance of balancing cultural sensitivity with legal accountability. The incident also raises questions about the role of external actors in shaping narratives around marginalized communities, urging a more nuanced approach to both eradication efforts and development priorities in Igambang’ombe.