Five women from Laikipia West sub-county have been arrested for taking part in female genital mutilation.
According to Citizen Digital, the suspects were arrested in Lorien Village in the outskirts of Rumuruti trading centre following a tip-off from the area chief on Monday evening.
Laikipia West Assistant County Commissioner Samuel Kiarie said the five were part of 11 women who were participating in the outlawed practice. The other six fled.
“All the women that were circumcised are actually young married women with children. It is unfortunate that this is happening due to cultural pressures that come with the age set system,” Kiarie said.
The five include three women who had just undergone the cut, a caretaker and an elderly woman who is said conducted the vice.
Lorien chief Jackson Cheruiyot said this was the first time such an incident has been reported in the county.
“It is shocking to discover that FGM is being practiced in the area, but now that we have discovered it, we will make sure that it is dealt with.”
None of the victims were underage, and are said to have been forced to undergo the cut by their husbands and elders.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court on Wednesday.