Backstreet medical clinics run by quacks have been blamed for perpetuating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Sameta District of Bobasi Sub-County.
Kisii County Peace Initiative Kenya (PIK) Programs Coordinator, Christine Opanga has warned area residents against booking their under -age school girls in backstreet medical clinics to undergo FGM in secrecy, reminding them that they were violating their daughters' sexual and reproductive health rights.
Speaking at Itumbe Location chief's office during a one-day Gender-Based Violence (GBV) community awareness training targeting the chief's locational Advisory Council members and clan elders from the location, Opanga said those clinics were operating illegally as they were not recognized by the Ministry of Health.
She said that it was not only illegal, but also dangerous since those executing the surgical operations are not trained have no experience in controlling excessive breeding. She said most cases have been fatal.
"I am warning local community members to be careful and stop immediately from engaging services of backstreet medical quacks to execute FGM on their daughters. It is dangerous to the health of the girls with the presence of HIV infections,” she said.
Area Chief, Henry Mirera warned area residents he would arrest anybody found subjecting their daughters to FGM and have them prosecuted for violating the children's rights.
"The law is very clear that no child should be forced to undergo FGM, but some of you are forcing your daughters to do so. Give them a chance to grow normally," the chief said.