Community changes tack to beat Female Genital Mutilation law

Anti-Female Genital Mutilation Board chair Linah Jebii Kilimo

A few years ago, it was marked with pomp and colour. It was a ceremony few could afford to miss.

All relatives would be welcomed to witness as girls aged between 13 and 18 were prepared for the cut. Men and women would drink traditional brew all night as they waited for the wee hours to have the girls cut. Potential suitors could also present themselves and negotiations for marriage would start as the girls were ushered into womanhood.