Five women were on Friday jailed after being found guilty of willingly taking part in Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), an illegal practice in Kenya.
The women who appeared before Githongo Resident Magistrate Evelyn Wachira Ndegwa and admitted seeking and undergoing the cut were each sentenced to three years in jail.
Caroline Wanja, Charity Karimi, Florence Kiende, Winfred Kawira and Charity Muthoni pleaded guilty to the charges, with Kiende, 28, saying that her grandmother suggested it.
The court heard that all the women underwent the cut on diverse dates this year in different areas within Meru County.
The court heard that Muthoni underwent the cut on August 28 in Chura Sub-Location and Karimi in Kathwene Sub-Location on July 14.
This was before she was arrested by area chief following a tipoff.
Kawira, the court was told, participated in the illegal practice on July 14 at Makandune Sub-Location and Wanja on August 29 at Kanyuii Sub-Location.
The women were given an option of a Sh200,000 fine, with Imenti Central Sub County Commander John Tarus warning that such practices will not be condoned in the county.
He noted that the tradition is outdated and should not, therefore, be practiced.