Despite the fact that it is illegal, dangerous and violating, the reality is that female genital mutilation (FGM) is a reality in most communities in Kenya. A survey done in 2015 revealed that about 75 out of 100 girls go through FGM either willingly or unwillingly in Meru County despite the fact that the practice is outlawed.
Just today, a 38 year old woman from Luluma village in Igembe South, Meru County was arrested and detained at Maua Police Station for allegedly taking her two daughters through Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Makiri sub-location Assistant Chief Moses Mwithalii said the two girls are also under police custody, adding that FGM is illegal and outlawed. According to Mr. Mwithalii, the girls had already undergone the cut and were in seclusion when they were taken into custody.
The administrator further warned those engaging in the outdated cultural tradition saying that they risk arrest and prosecution if caught doing so. He also appealed to school going girls currently on holiday to report their parents to the police if they feel threatened and/or are forced to undergo FGM.
In August this year, police in Igembe Central arrested a couple for ‘forcing’ their daughter-in-law undergo female genital mutilation.
The couple, who were arrested are said to have ordered the circumcision of their daughter in law, a mother of four, as a punishment for ‘seeing the nakedness of her circumcised sister-in-law’ on Wednesday.
“In our culture, an uncircumcised woman is not supposed to see a naked circumcised woman,” said a woman who declined to be named.
It is unfortunate that in this day and age there are girls who are forced to undergo the cut that is a total violation to womanhood.
FGM in Kenya is associated with several health risks to women which include medical complications such as haemorrhage, pain, pelvic infection, painful intercourse and complications of childbirth such as obstructed labour due to scarring of tissues.
What do you think can be done to do away with FGM in Kenya especially in communities that still view the practice as a right of passage for women?