Chiefs and their assistants found condoning Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in their areas in Laikipia County will lose their jobs.
County Commissioner Onesmus Kyatha said education and the dignity of girls in the area is under a major threat and the government is working hard to ensure that the female cut is eradicated.
“Any chief and their assistant involved in the retrogressive cultural act will not be spared’’ Kyatha noted after leading this years’ Jamhuri Day celebrations at Rumuruti stadium yesterday.
He added that FGM remains one of the biggest challenges to the girl child development because after the cut, they are married off and this infringes on their right to education and other things.
The administrator pointed out that FGM is mostly practiced in the northern parts and pockets in western and eastern parts of the county.
He said the government is determined to end this retrogressive culture and warned any parent, guardian or community member helping in promoting the rite that they risk arrest and prosecution.
Kyatha at the same time called on the chiefs and their assistants to ensure no school aged child is engaged in child labour.
“You should be vigilant and ensure no child is engaged in child labour instead of being in school”, he added.
He said child labour is outdated because it does not help in development but retards those who are leaders of tomorrow.
The administrator called on the chiefs and the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to see to it that all candidates who did the Kenya Primary of Primary Education (KCPE) last year are enrolled in form one.
He said all civilians who own licensed guns should return them as ordered by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i last month.
The CC called on those who might be having illegal guns to surrender them adding that stringent measures have been put in place to stop visitors or any other person from entering Laikipia with an illegal gun.
Those who attended the celebrations included Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi, his deputy John Mwaniki, Laikipia County Speaker John Mwaniki, Laikipia West Member of Parliament Kariuki Mariru and MCAs among others.
By Margaret Kirera
