Women lobby joins fight against FGM

By Edwin Cheserek

The fight against female circumcision in Marakwet got a major boost with the entry of Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organisation (MYWO).

Efforts to stamp out the practice in Marakwet District have not yielded much.

Local and international NGOs are at times overwhelmed during school holidays, especially in December when the practice is widespread.

Many girls usually flee their homes to churches and schools to evade forced circumcision.

Speaking to journalists at Kapsowar town yesterday, MYWO Treasurer Naomi Okul said they would target leaders and traditional circumcisers.

Ms Okul had visited Marakwet East DC Joseph Kisang’au and his Marakwet West counterpart John Ondego.

MYWO Rift Valley Treasurer Eileen Kendagor, Ms Carol Murgor (project officer) and district chairperson Veronica Suter accompanied her.

Mr Kisang’au decried high illiteracy levels in the area, saying it hampered fight against the vice known as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Marakwet East MP Linah Kilimo, who has also been championing girls’ rights, said the move will boost the fight against the rampant practice.

More than 500 girls in Marakwet East District were reportedly forcefully circumcised in December.