By Patrick Muriungi

Thirty-seven communities still practice female genital mutilation (FGM) ten years after the Government banned the rite.

Gender, Children and Social Development Minister Esther Murugi said the practice was most prevalent among the Maasai where 93 per cent of women undergo the cut.

Citing the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, the minister said more girls were now being ‘cut’ secretly by medical professionals especially in private hospitals.

She was speaking at Kinoru in Meru during a public declaration of abandonment of the practice by the Njuri Ncheke (Meru council of elders) at the weekend.

Ms Murugi said about 60 per cent of Meru region women undergo the rite of passage compared to 30 per cent of, mostly young girls, in Central Province.

"It is deplorable that these communities practice FGM despite the results often being tragic as many women bleed to death, and a greater number suffer disabilities," she said.

During the function, several traditional surgeons surrendered their tools of trade and denounced the practice. The Government promised them financial assistance to engage in alternative income-generating activities.

Maendeleo ya Wanawake chairperson Rukia Subow claimed traditional birth attendants encourage the rite and forcefully circumcise expectant mothers.

Njuri Ncheke Organising Secretary Phares Rutere said FGM was banned in 1956 at their Nchiru Shrine but was still being conducted secretly.

He said the practice attracted a fine of three bulls and a beehive of honey.

The elders also threatened to arraign in court those practicing the cut.

Mr Rutere said the council would hold another meeting at the shrine to propose stiffer penalties.

The Gender ministry, United Nation’s Children’s Fund, UN Population Fund and the Njuri Ncheke co-sponsored the function.

The sponsors and Catholic Diocese of Meru have developed a curriculum to instill traditional cultural values among the youth in the area during alternative rites-of-passage seminars.

The Church is promoting the alternative rites-of-passage to families to ensure girls benefit from the education imparted traditionally without subjecting them to the actual retrogressive surgical operation.