Nakuru county first lady, Lucia Kinuthia, has called on the police and security organs to step up their fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Kinuthia said that the practice was slowly resurfacing especially in the rural areas where women chose to have their girls circumcised as a sign of maturity.
“Despite it being banned and outlawed most of the women still carry out the exercise in the guise of religion,” notes Kinuthia.
She said that the myth that sleeping with a circumcised girl will prevent a person from contracting HIV contributed to the Practice.
“Its unfortunate that many women who undergo the practice die during childbirth and this pulls back our beyond zero campaign,” she said.
Nakuru County Maendeleo ya Wanawake chairperson, Keziah Ngina, said that the most affected areas were Njoro, Nakuru West and Rongai.
“Many of the women still believe that it is a sign of maturity and in preparation for marriage. However, they need more education and public awareness campaigns so that they can stop it,” notes Ngina.
“We will soon start a door to door campaign in bid to educate the public on the after effects of the practice,” said Ngina.
They were Speaking during celebrations to mark the World Women day at Nyayo gardens in Nakuru town.