Alarm raised as many volunteer for FGM

Police have raised the alarm over the increasing number of women volunteering for Female Genital Mutilation.

Kericho Central Deputy County Commissioner William ole Kakimoni said Monday many women were opting for the cut despite efforts to eradicate it.

Speaking only two days after six women were arrested in Bechulelach village, Mr Kakimoni told chiefs and police officers to be alert and prevent the practice.

“We understand it was voluntary but we will not allow anybody to take us back to the dark days,” he said.

The directive comes as it emerged that the women, who underwent the cut were aged between 24 and 30.

Poiywek sub-location Chief Joseph Chirchir said among those who were taken into custody was a 65-year old circumciser and another woman who was taking care of the victims.

Two are being treated at Kericho District Hospital while the rest are being held at Nyagacho Police Station.

On Monday, Mr Kakimoni said his office would organise barazas to discourage women from FGM.

“I also appeal to the church and other religious organisations to preach against the practice and promote our efforts to eliminate it,” he added.

At the same time, the war on FGM got a big boost when a veteran circumciser from Baringo publicly denounced the practice.

GIRLS STIGMATIZED
Mrs Linah Kibon, 50, from Sandai Village said she regretted what she made many girls go through.

Mrs Kibon said she used to circumcise between 15 to 30 girls a season.

“I could fetch Sh500 and a goat from one girl, a clear indication that the culture is a livelihood,” she said at Ng’ambo Secondary School on Saturday, during the “graduation” of 180 girls who underwent the alternative rite of passage.

The reformed circumciser said that no one approached her to abandon the practice.

The practice is common among the Pokot, Ilchamus and Endorois communities.

According to these communities, uncircumcised girls are outcasts who should not be allowed to mingle with their counterparts who have undergone FGM.