The anti-Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) campaign that has been spearheaded by civil societies, well-wishers and the government in Gusii region on Tuesday got a big boost when a senior clergy vowed to rally his troops against the practice.
Speaking in his office, Kisii University chaplain Father Joseph Nyaanga said the vice was rampant, though performed secretly in Kisii and Nyamira counties.
He said the Catholic Church will use its machineries to fight the practice, pointing out civil education as the most effective method of rallying against the vice.
Father Nyaanga said he was shocked that even the literate in the society were promoting FGM despite knowing its repercussions to the girl child.
“I know that FGM is secretly done in our communities but we haven’t done enough to curb it. As a church, I have advised our diocese to invest and fight these primitive cultural practices that should be eroded completely,” he said.
“I am mesmerised that even the educated people can tolerate such a practice. I think it is their responsibility to guide those who may not be aware of consequences,” Nyaanga said.
He said civic education will be done by the church in the entire Diocese of Kisii as an effective way of communicating to those who are for the idea of FGM.
“We will teach our followers and ask them to spread the message to others. This method has not been exploited well but I think we are up to task for the same,” he said.