A section of Samburu Morans have vowed not to marry girls who have undergone the cut.
Elders in the region recently insisted that the community will not abandon the age-old tradition. This is despite spirited efforts by the Government and anti-FGM activists to fight the outdated practice.
Hundreds of morans drawn from various parts of Samburu Central, however, broke ranks with the elders, saying it was time to drop the practice.
Speaking to The Standard after a three-day sensitisation on negative effects of FGM at Baawa, the youth, who belong to the Lkishami age set, promised to lead the fight against female circumcision in the area.
"We are going to reach out to our friends and enlighten them on the negative effects of FGM. We want girls to be spared this harmful rite of passage," said Eli Lekodonyo, a moran.
Early marriages
He urged his colleagues not to relent nor be cowed by elders' threats while fighting the repugnant cultural practice.
Loreno Lolto, who maintained he will not marry a circumcised girl, also called on other morans to join the campaign so as to save young girls from undergoing the cut.
"Many morans are now aware that the rite encourages early marriages and this contributes to high school drop-out rates. Girls should also be allowed to access education like boys," he added.
The sensitation programme was sponsored by Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (Fida-Kenya)
Fida's Alice Maranga, referring to allegations that local chiefs are protecting the practice, said local authorities abetting perpetuation of practice in their areas should be made to face the full force of the law.
"FGM is a violation of women rights and is punishable by law. It is a harmful traditional practice whose time has passed. Girls need equal rights to education," Maranga said
Samburu Central Deputy Commissioner Stephen Nyakundi hailed the moran for their stand.
The Samburu community believes the female cut determines maturity in girls after which they are forcibly married off and initiated to motherhood. Girls as young as 10 years are booked for the cut.
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