Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Migori County have strongly condemned the escalating cases of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the Kuria region, which they describe as a worsening crisis during the December holiday period.
Politicians’ Role in Glorifying FGM
Jimmy Mukundi, an official from WHO Lives NGO, highlighted that some politicians’ rhetoric glorifying cultural preservation has contributed to the rise in FGM cases. He emphasized that FGM is a retrogressive practice that violates children’s rights as outlined in Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
Mukundi disclosed that two suspected circumcisers have been arrested but urged law enforcement to intensify their efforts, especially as cross-border FGM and the importation of circumcisers from neighboring Tanzania complicate enforcement.
“We need a unified voice from politicians, local administration, CSOs, and Anti-FGM champions to curb this harmful practice,” Mukundi stated.
CSOs Call for Unified Action
Vicinet Mwita, CEO of Tunaweza Empowerment Organization, commended law enforcement but noted that more action is needed. He criticized the public parading of girls after undergoing FGM along roads in Kehancha and Migori, stating that such blatant displays show the inadequacy of current deterrence measures.
“For four years, Migori had made strides in combating FGM, but the recent resurgence risks undoing this progress,” Mwita lamented. He urged Anti-FGM stakeholders, especially local enforcement agents, to act swiftly to save girls from this harmful tradition.
Escalating Cross-Border Challenges
Safe Engage Foundation officials, during an arts and culture workshop in Kehancha town, echoed these concerns. Programme Officer Regina Ghati reported that at least 40 girls had been rescued this December but noted that many more continue to face the cut.
Ghati emphasized that cross-border FGM remains a significant obstacle and called on the East African Community (EAC) to address the issue through regional integration efforts.
“We need to promote positive cultural values that support development and discourage harmful traditions like FGM,” Ghati said.
Awareness and Education Efforts
Jacinta Nyambura, representing Mental Real of State and Amani Goal NGOs, highlighted ongoing education efforts targeting girls in remote and urban slum areas. Currently, her organizations are supporting over 1,500 girls in Nairobi to raise awareness against retrogressive practices like FGM and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Nyambura pointed out the lack of political will among elected leaders as a critical barrier to progress in addressing FGM in Kuria.
“Education and awareness are the long-term solutions, but political goodwill is urgently needed to solve these issues,” Nyambura stressed.
FGM and the Fight Against GBV
The rising FGM cases coincide with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), highlighting the urgent need for concerted efforts to protect girls and uphold their rights. CSOs have vowed to continue advocating for the elimination of FGM and called for stricter enforcement of anti-FGM laws.
The ongoing battle against FGM in Kuria underscores the need for collaboration across communities, local governments, regional bodies, and international organizations to eradicate this harmful practice.
