By Florence Norah
The fight against female genital mutilation in Kuria region has received a boost after a section of elected leaders in the region declared war against the deeply entrenched practice.
Kuria West Member of Parliament Mathias Robi, nominated MP Denitah Ghati and Migori County Woman Representative.Pamela Odhiambo said they are ready to support the fight.
They were speaking during the launch of the 16 days of gender based violence (GBV) activism against FGM in the region.
Dr.Odhiambo said circumcision of girls is an outdated and unlawful act urging the communities embracing the practice to ditch it.
She said the FGM among the Kuria community has undermined girl-child education.
Lack of political goodwill in the fight against FGM has been blamed for its persistence despite efforts from various quarters.
Chief Administrative Secretary in the department of Youths and Gender affairs Rachiel Shebesh asked the community to spare the girls from FGM. She said the government has put in place modalities to deal with anybody involved in the circumcision of girls.
She said that government will not tolerate chiefs who will not deal with cases of FGM in their areas.
