By Norah Musega
Migori County Commissioner Mr. Boaz Cherutich has interdicted 10 chiefs and their assistants in Kuria sub-county for allegedly failing to report Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) cases in their areas of jurisdiction.
Cherutich made the announcement while attending a dialogue that brought together anti-FGM stakeholders in Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), elders, religious leaders, activists, and the youth.
He, however, said they will work with Odhiambo’s office on the best way to offer security at the Nguruna center.
In attendance were the CAS Gender and Public Service Rachel Shebesh alongside Anti-FGM Board Chair Agnes Pareiyo, Gender and Public Service (PS) Prof Collete Suda and Migori County Woman Representative Dr Pamela Odhiambo.
The Kuria community in Migori has been performing FGM openly as girls who escape the cut seek refuge in centers run by activists. The County Commissioner Cherutich said the six police officers who have helped in arresting culprits have been lined for promotion.
Speaking during the occasion, Shebesh said a rescue center started at Nguruna center in Kuria by former Migori Women Representative and now nominated MP Dennitah Ghati should be completed by a joint effort of all stakeholders.
Activists in the past have complained that political supremacy standoff between Ghati and Odhiambo have stalled the project which was set to benefit the community as the two leaders have clashed over its location.
As the standoff continues to play off, over 200 girls in the region have been forced to seek shelter in other centers with some reported to have escaped over three times.
According to Odhiambo, the best place to have a rescue center should be outside Kuria region in other sub-counties where FGM is not prevalent.
