Five women have been sentenced to three years imprisonment or pay an alternative fine of Sh. 200,000 for practicing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), contrary to Section 19( FGM Act 32 of 2011).
The five women, all from Kiagu village, Kathwene Sub location Imenti Central Sub County, allegedly engaged in the outlawed practice on July 14, this year.
They were arrested after members of the public tipped off the security personnel. However, the circumciser escaped after the police raided her home.
They all pleaded guilty before the Githongo Resident Magistrate (RM), Eveline Wachira Ndegwa on Friday.
The accused pleaded for leniency, saying that they opted to go for the cut so that they can join a women group in order to access government funds.
According Imenti central Sub County Police Commander (SCPC), John Tarus, they received information from members of the public that five adult married women had decided to undertake FGM after being criticized by other women in a women group prompting them to decide to go for the cut.
He said police officers rushed to the scene and arrested the culprits who were still in pain, but the circumciser escaped.
However, police have launched a manhunt for the circumciser who is well known in the area.
By Judy Muguongo
