Residents of Meru County have been urged to support the government in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
The Assistant Chief for Njoka Sub location in Imenti North Sub-county Ms Agnes Gakii at the same time warned FGM was illegal and those found forcing their daughters to undergo it would face full force of the law. “My office is on the lookout for those likely to force their daughters to undergo this retrogressive tradition,’’ she said.
“During these long holidays let’s protect our children against all forms of social vices for them to be responsible citizens,” she said adding as national government representative at the grass root level, her work was ensuring every child is safe from all forms of abuse.
Gakii further called on Members of Nyumba Kumi initiative to intensify their monitoring to root out those abusing the girls sexually or bent to have them circumcised.
“Some adults hide their daughters at their grandparents’ homes who in turn secretly aid them to undergo the cut,” she said, urging parents to take full responsibility for their children’s welfare.
She regretted that many girls who undergo FGM are married off early denying them an opportunity to further their education and urged parents to support girl-child education to the highest level.
On crime, Gakii maintained that war on illicit brews and drugs was in top gear explaining that drug abuse contributed to commission of other crimes.
The administrator further urged residents to adhere to the ministry of health directives to avert spread of Covid-19 among them properly wearing a face mask, observing social distance and regularly washing hands using water and soap.
By Muguongo Judy
