Kisii University Vice Chancellor Prof John Akama has challenged members of the Gusii community to shun retrogressive cultural practices, such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) which hinders girl-child education.
Prof Akama described FGM as the worst form of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) meted on innocent young girls whose consent on the vice is hardly sought after by their parents.
Speaking at the University on Thursday after attending the National Elders Conference held at the University, Akama warned the Gusii community members that the practice of FGM had been overtaken by events adding that the community should change with the changing times.
Akama challenged the local community to embrace positive cultural practices and shun retrogressive traditions which deprive members their right and freedoms.
"I reminding the Gusii community members that, retrogressive cultural practices, such as FGM are outdated and anybody clinging on them should be advised to stop,” said Akama.
He stated that members of the community should be allowed to enjoy freedoms and rights provided for in the Constitution and international statutes to which Kenya is a signatory.