Individuals and communities in Kenya have been urged to help in the fight against Intersex Genital Mutilation (IGM) to protect the rights and freedom of identity of intersex persons.
Speaking on Thursday during the Intersex Awareness Day in Migori County, Jinsangu Organisation Official Joseph Kibangedi said that it was time the national and county governments stepped in to help the suffering that the intersex persons have been subjected to.
Kibangedi, who is also an Intersex person noted that the efforts directed in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) should also be directed in the fight against IGM.
According to Migori County statistics of 2023, only 35 individuals have come out to be identified as intersex persons.
Kibangedi however, disclosed that the number may be higher but due to fears of stigmatization and IGM, some have remained silent about their condition.
“We did not request to be born like this and it is equally important for the country to help in the fight against IGM to preserve one’s preferred identity and the right to live as a normal person,” Kibangedi said.
Kibangedi thanked the Migori County government for showing and giving the intersex persons support and opportunity in celebrating Intersex Awareness Day to express themselves and tell the community about the challenges they face.
Migori County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Gender, and Youth Affairs Ms Rahab Robi said as a county they will continue to give moral support to intersex persons by championing their rights and protections.
“As we continue to fight the triple threats that include; early marriage, early pregnancy, and FGM we will also fight against IGM,”said Rahab.
The County Official urged parents to allow their intersex children to grow and establish their own identity before deciding if they want to undergo surgery for their own benefit.
Migori County Assembly Deputy Speaker David Chacha urged residents of Migori to embrace everyone in the community and stop stigmatisation of intersex persons for the sake of integration.
Chacha promised to fight for the rights of the Intersex persons in the county affirming that very soon the County Assembly may need to lay down rules and regulations to protect for the rights and freedom of Intersex individuals.
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) Official Ms Elizabeth Agina said that they recognise the existence of intersex persons in the country and KNCHR Commission was working on making laws and regulations that can guide and embrace intersex persons in Kenya.
Agina pinpointed that the Commission has had several meetings with the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), the Office of the Attorney General, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, and the National Registration Bureau to help recognise, protect and preserve the rights and interests, and markers of intersex persons.
By Gilbert Onyango and Geoffrey Makokha
