This archive report was first published on 25 November 2019.
FGM Cases Rise in South Rift Region ¶
Published on November 25, 2019, a crackdown on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the South Rift region has led to the arrest of at least 20 women who have been circumcised, nine caregivers, and circumcisers in the last five days.
According to records, eight of those circumcised at Kipsegon village in Kapkesosio Location, Chepalungu constituency are aged between 21 and 24 years.
Police have confirmed the arrests and said the suspects will be arraigned as the crackdown continues.
Despite campaigns by various stakeholders to get rid of the practice, FGM cases have been reported in many parts of the South Rift region.
Unlike in the past where girls were subjected to the cut at tender ages, females above 20 years old have become the target in a bid to beat the law protecting children's rights.
Newly married women, some with children, are now targeted in what is meant to end stigmatisation.
There are reports that several youths have been subjected to FGM in Bomet, Nakuru, and Narok counties despite a government ban on the practice.
"The county has trained 40 children's rights champions who have been instrumental in sensitising residents on the dangers of clinging to retrogressive cultural practices that are harmful to girls," said Ms Rose Chepkorir, the director for gender in Bomet County.
Ms Chepkorir added, "It is unfortunate that majority of those who have been circumcised are either married or are young mothers. They have been forced to undergo the rite in order to be accepted in a society where uncircumcised married women are looked down upon even by fellow women."
