Nyamira County woman representative Alice Chae has described female genital mutilation as violence against women and urged the residents to campaign against it.
Chae condemned those perpetuating the harmful cultural practice warning them to stop before the long arm of the law catches up with them.
Presiding over the annual alternative rite of passage for close to 500 girls at Nyamaiya SDA Church, Chae said the week-long ceremony was among the activities to mark the 16 days of activism on gender based violence.
Chae criticised the hypocrisy and defiance to the Children’s Act by some FGM adherents who soon after undergoing the alternative rite of passage, engaged paramedics to conduct the 'cut' on the same girl child.
On the impact to the alternative rite of passage, the women rep admitted existence of increased public awareness on the dangers of the FGM in the region.
She urged men to join the campaign towards the eradication of age old practice.
Agnes Abiemi in charge of the anti- FGM campaign said the initiates aged between six to 12 years had been undergoing the sensitization for the last 17 years.
Abiemi explained during the seclusion, the initiates were taught on the ramifications of the FGM, self esteem and women’s rights.
They were also trained on life skills among others.
During the occasion, the initiates were issued with certificates.