A women’s lobby goup has accused the provincial administration of undermining and sabotaging the fight against FGM and gender gender-based crimes in Kisii County.
According to Manager of Young Women Christian Association [YWCA] Kisii Branch , Mary Mogaka, chiefs and their assistants have been a major stumbling block towards their campaign against female cut and rape.
“Our fight against FGM and rape amongst our daughters has not gotten the required boost since the chiefs and their assistants do not support us in these campaigns,” Mogaka said.
She added that they usually colluded with perpetrators to hide any cases of the same kind thereby making it difficult for the operations of the group.
However, she said they have many managed to rescue numerous girls who were victims of the cuts and rape and their ‘predators’ apprehended. They appealed to everyone to stand and condemn acts of any kind that go against girl child.
The manager asked the Judiciary to jail those found guilty of such crimes so that others may learn from the instance.
“We have rescued a few teens involved in the cut and rape and their predators apprehended. Nevertheless, we ask our Judiciary to give a fair hearing to such cases and perpetrators be jailed so that others may learn from the instance,” Mogaka said.
She also asked the provincial administration and political leadership to support them so that girl child is not intimidated instead, be treated the best way they should.
According to Mrs. Mogaka, the fight against FGM and rape is everyone’s business and therefore, the fight should not be solely rested to the associations.
“It is everyone’s business to ensure the girl-child is safe; we should not leave the responsibility to leaders and associations alone,” She said.
“Let us report any case of the kind if we want to save our girls’ education and health, “she added.