First Lady Mama Rachael Ruto on Tuesday presided over the national launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Suswa, Narok County, where national and county leaders joined Maasai elders, youth, and community members in making a historic commitment to end FGM and child marriage.
The event brought together senior government officials and key stakeholders, including Ann Wangombe, Principal Secretary for Gender; Agnes Ntutu, First Lady of Narok,Alamitu Jatani, First Lady of Marsabit; Edna Lenku, First Lady of Kajiado; Ken Aramat, MP Narok East; Ipato Surum, Chairperson of the Anti-FGM Board; and Madam Loloju, CEO of the Anti-FGM Board.
The Maasai Mara University was represented by Dr. Kennedy Karani Onyiko, Director of Gender Equity and Culture, alongside Ms. Nadupoi Kishoyian, Ruth Wanjiru from the Psychosocial Department, and Benson Kaleke from Sports and Culture, reflecting the institution’s ongoing role in community outreach and gender advocacy.
A major highlight of the ceremony was a bold declaration by Maasai elders, led by Daniel Ole-Kipilosh, committing to end FGM and child marriage within their communities.
The elders pledged to uphold the protection of girls, stating that harmful cultural practices have no place in modern society. Mothers, represented by Tracey, also affirmed their commitment to ensure the practices do not continue to the next generation.
Addressing the gathering, Mama Rachael Ruto called for unity in the fight against FGM and GBV, urging communities to uphold culture in a manner that promotes dignity and safety.
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She emphasized that eliminating FGM is not optional and called for the anti-FGM campaign to spread across the country through coordinated and sustained community action.
County First Ladies reinforced the message of collective responsibility.
Agnes Ntutu, First Lady of Narok, called for full implementation of the elders’ declaration and highlighted the links between FGM, teenage pregnancy, and early marriage.
Alamitu Jatani, who spoke as an FGM survivor, encouraged community members to break the silence and support girls at risk.
Edna Lenku celebrated declining FGM rates and noted that complete eradication is achievable with persistent effort
Narok County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia and Ken Aramat emphasized the importance of collaboration among government agencies, community gatekeepers, and institutions in eliminating the harmful practices.
The launch underscored a unified national and community-driven effort to protect girls and women from violence. As the 16 Days of Activism begin, the Suswa declaration stands as a strong demonstration of leadership, cultural responsibility, and collective will to end FGM, child marriage, and all forms of gender-based violence.
By Philip Koech
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