As the war against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) gathers momentum, the government has announced that Chiefs and their Assistants in Meru South Sub-county in TharakaNithi, will be given books to enlighten them on how to fight the retrogressive cultural practice.
While speaking during a public baraza at Njuri in Magumoni Ward on Tuesday, the Sub- county Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Mr, AlbanasNdiso said the President’s Directive against the female cut must be carried out and chiefs who allow the practice to continue in their areas will be sacked.
He also put on notice those encouraging and practicing it, saying their days are numbered and when caught they will be dealt with according to the law.
The Administrator noted that some medical personnel were luring young girls, claiming they could perform the cut hygienically but cautioned that they too will not only be sacked from their places of work but also prosecuted.
“We are aware that some medics are tricking parents, saying they will give proper treatment to those they operate on but let them know that their days are numbered too and once found out they will lose their jobs and be prosecuted,” Ndiso said.
He asked the local Police boss, Joseph Kavoo, to be vigilant, especially during the Christmas period when FGM is usually performed secretly.
The Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner (CC), Ms Beverly Opwora along with the local Maendeleo ya Wanawake leadership have in the past few weeks been traversing the area, waging war on the vice.
Their efforts are bearing fruit because local people are gradually embracing the alternative rite of passage for young girls, where, instead of undergoing the cut, the girls are educated on how to become adults and pursuing their education rather than being lured into early marriages.
By Monicah Nyaga/Kenneth Marangu
