KEWOPA Boss and also Nominated MP Cecily Mbarire. She said politicians are not fighting FGM for fear of losing their seats. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
Politicians who come from areas where Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is prevalent have been accused of not doing enough to end the vice.
Outgoing Kenya Women Parliamentary Association chairperson Cecily Mbarire said politicians from the affected areas have failed to fight the vice for fear of losing their seats.
Ms. Mbarire said the organization has put in place firm measures to fight against the retrogressive culture but faced stiff opposition in areas where it is commonly practiced.
According to the Star, Ms. Mbarire said the leaders’ stand frustrates the fight against girls’ circumcision as the organization seeks to eradicate the outlawed practice.
“You find in communities that practice FGM, many politicians from those areas are shy to fight it head-on for fear of losing support. That makes it difficult to fight it and it takes us backward,” she said as quoted by the Star.
She said the organization is committed to fighting and ending the exercise adding that the exercise has adverse effects in women mainly during birth.
The nominated Jubilee MP and National Assembly Deputy Chief whip said the practice has numerous health and social problems and the leaders need to join in the fight.