Police In Migori Help In The Fight Against FGM

Five minors who were scheduled to undergo female genital mutilation (FGM) in Ntunyigi village, Bukira East, Kuria West, have been saved by police in Migori.

“We are chasing them even after their parents fled. To prevent them from entering the neighboring country, we have increased our border surveillance,’’ said the County Police Commander, Mark Wanjala.

Four of the girls had taken their Kenya Primary School Examination Assessment test last month as Grade Six students. The other two, aged 12 and 13, took their exams at Igena and Nyaigutu elementary schools, respectively. Of the four, two of the students—both 13 years old—took their exams at Wizara Primary School.

At St. Kizito Primary School, the other girl, 13, took her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exam. Police officials acting on a tip-off discovered them when they entered the house of a circumciser who also ran away.

State and non-state gender actors pledged to include males in the battle against harmful practices during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), which ended on Saturday. "Upscaling male involvement in ending GBV" was the theme.

In particular during this holiday season, Mr. Wanjala continued, his police were eager to block any attempt to subject females to the cut. One of the hotspots for FGM is the Kuria region.

Concerning issues affecting females include the prevalence of FGM, teenage pregnancies, and early marriages, according to activists. The fact that many females drop out of school is really sad.

Suna East Deputy County Commissioner Benson Karani averred that cross-border FGM is likely to occur during this vacation but expressed optimism that they will remain hawk-eyed to apprehend perpetrators.

He added that instead of forcing young girls to undergo FGM, society should empower them through education.

In remembrance of people who have lost their lives or been permanently disabled as a result of GBV, gender actors lit candles and then organized a walk from Posta Grounds to Migori's bus park.