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Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Kisii county have deplored the high rate of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the area, terming it alarming and unacceptable.

Consequently, anti-FGM crusaders have warned perpetrators of the retrogressive cultural practice to stop it or get arrested and face the law.

Young Women Democrats Executive Director, Esnas Nyaramba accused medics in private clinics and community Health workers (CHWs) of perpetuating the vice for financial gain.

“The prevalence rate for FGM in Kisii county is 84 percent. We want to reduce it to zero. Other communities have ended it,” Nyaramba said during a training for stakeholders at a Kisii hotel yesterday.
Lawyer Divine Biyaki said a group of advocates have offered to offer free legal services for victims of FGM, saying they will not relent until the practice is eradicated.

She said the constitution protects children against being subjected to harmful cultural practices and warned that those abetting the practice are violating the rights of the children and risk dire consequences.

“People who abet FGM are liable to a fine of not less than Sh200,000 or two years imprisonment while those who engage in it can pay a fine of Sh1 million or be jailed for upto three years,” Biyaki said.
David Oseko, a human rights activist said they will follow up cases of FGM to ensure that they are heard and concluded.