By Norah Musega
Kuria elders have taken a united stand against participating in the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) exercise set to begin next month, even as preparations for the same remain in top gear.
The elders have gone as far as donating a five acre piece of land at Nyakeomo village which will act as a girls’ rescue centre and a secondary school.
The elders were speaking at Biang’ung’u shrine in Kegonga, a cultural site for Nyabasi elders.
Chairman of Kuria Council of Elders Zachariah Magige said they donated the parcel of land and have been seeking a donor to help set up the centre with the blessings of elders and activists who have been fighting FGM in the Kuria community.
“The centre will help us boost the education standards in the area and serve as a rescue centre for girls fleeing the cut,” he said.
He added that they were motivated to help fight FGM after realizing that it’s the main cause of high school dropouts in the region.
Secretary of Kuria Council of Elders Matiko Mwita said that despite all the preparations made, the elders had made a united decision not to take part in the circumcision event.
Preparations for the rite of passage have been ongoing across Nyabasi, Bwirege, Bakira and Bugumbe clans.
“The elders across all four clans in Kuria have decided not to bless girls’ circumcision in our cultural sites,” said Mwita Rioba, an elder.
Mwita said they have been talking to the youth and are hopeful they won’t take part in such exercises but expressed concern that some will because the act is viewed as a rite of passage to marriage.
He said that they realized that lack of fees and poverty are also among the major causes of school dropout among girls hence their decision to donate the parcel of land.
Several non-governmental organizations have been visiting the region in bid to curb FGM practice.
Charles Olwamba, an officer with Amref Health Africa, said after their extensive behavior change programmes, they are sure the vice will end in the area.
Agnes Bange, Migori County Government gender officer, said they are still on high alert against FGM practice in the area and will work to scuttle the process completely.
