This archive report was first published on 19 November 2019.
On November 19, 2019, police in Keiyo conducted a sting operation under the cover of darkness, arresting four women who were lined up to undergo FGM and three other women at Chepkogin village.
The women, aged over 21 and 28 years, included two elders believed to be circumcisers and the owner of the house where the operation was to take place. The police also recovered two knives and blankets.
According to Elgeyo Marakwet County police commander John Mwinzi, the women were arrested just in time before the operation began. He commended the members of the public for providing a tip that led to the operation.
“If we could have delayed even for a minute we would have found all the women circumcised. This outlawed practice should be condemned by all,” said Mwinzi.
During interrogations, the women blamed their spouses for coercing them into undergoing the cut, with some being told they would not get husbands before being cut.
Mwinzi warned that FGM is an illegal practice and anyone found perpetuating it will face the law. He also urged society to value women in their natural being and fight against the vice.
