Kenyan leaders unite against FGM, call for legal action, education to protect girls' rights

Speaking at the Baptist Convention of Kenya in Suswa ward in Narok East Constituency where 150 girls were celebrated to mark milestones against FGM Loloju stressed that by so doing the minors will remain in school.

She thereby called on leaders, stakeholders and respective area administration to collaborate in ensuring its success.

Viola Ruto who is the Africa Medical Research Foundation’s (AMREF) Project Manager, Kenya  noted the milestones attained in the area have been made possible through the utilization of local champions in community-led programs.

Suswa Ward MCA Salasha Kisotu, who shared advice to the girls regretted that hygiene during the old-age practice was a deadly health risk thereby stressing the need for the girls to exercise abstinence.

Lillian Saruni AMREF Champion on girl rights in the area was thankful for the milestones through forums but mentioned the profilement of uncut girls as an impediment.

Elizabeth Alikire, a lawyer who offered motivation to the girls, said as a local she was proud to say no to FGM without fear. Her sentiments were echoed by Kajiado counterpart Soinei Paseina stressing on the need to conclusively implement the law against FGM perpetrators.

Joyce Naisotuai, a student at South Eastern Kenya University, pursuing a community course and Diannah Maloi who is undertaking a cosmetology course trained survivors who shared with the girls thanking AMREF for equipping them with skills to share.

Janet Muntalal and Joy Naisiaye both Form 3 students at St Mary’s Secondary School in Mai Mahiu and Onomatasangi Girls High School in Kajiado respectively realised that FGM can be fought to avoid spread of diseases and realisation of dreams as well as a human violation worth of sharing when learning resumes.

During the celebrations, the Suswa team staged a play depicting evils against a Maasai Girl Child at the same time enlightened evils which can be ended legally or out of court.

Their sentiments come as students and pupils are on their half-term holiday which ends this mid-week.