Kisii Woman Rep Dorice Donya under fire for reckless comments endorsing FGM

Kisii Woman Rep Dorice Donya Aburi addresses Kiango residents in Kisii County during a peace meeting [Sammy Omingo/Standard]

Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya is facing Kenyans' wrath after she appeared to endorse Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) during a light-hearted conversation with Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang'o.

In the video circulating online, Donya is heard outlining her plans for the coming month, specifically mentioning young girls in her constituency.

She invoked a long-held, and scientifically baseless, cultural myth that the cut is necessary to regulate girls' behaviour.

Her remarks immediately drew a sharp reaction from Jalang'o. Visibly appalled, he dismissed the suggestion as outdated, harmful and unacceptable.

We strongly condemn this MP for promoting violence against girls. FGM is a violation of human rights, not a method to silence & control Girls. No child deserves torture disguised as "culture." It's very dangerous unconstitutional and an insult to every girl's dignity @GEM_Africa pic.twitter.com/IuSoTEEgIs

- Nawiri Ladies Organization (@LadiesNawiri) December 8, 2025

"What nonsense is that! That nonsense still happens these days?" he shot back, urging his colleague to use her position to discourage, not promote, the outlawed rite.

The comments bring to the fore cultural tensions that continue to hinder Kenya's fight against FGM, particularly during the December holidays, which are traditionally the peak season for such ceremonies.

Donya's comments struck many as especially troubling given her role as a Woman Representative, a position meant to champion the rights, safety and well-being of women and girls.

Nawiri Ladies Organisation, a CBO advocating for the rights of young women and girls in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, strongly called out the Woman Rep for the foul comments.

"We strongly condemn this MP for promoting violence against girls. FGM is a violation of human rights, not a method to silence & control Girls. No child deserves torture disguised as "culture." It's very dangerous, unconstitutional and an insult to every girl's dignity," the organisation wrote on X.

Netizens supported this sentiment, with many expressing disgust and disbelief.

"Yaani, after all the efforts and the fights, they are still conducting FGM? Tena, it's a suggestion from a woman," one user asked on X.

"Such a disgrace coming from a leader in society while we are working hard to end violence against women, she's out here promoting it, this is unacceptable and shameful," another added.

In Kenya, FGM is not a cultural grey area; it is a criminal offence.

Under the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act (2011), aiding, abetting or facilitating the practice attracts a minimum of three years in prison and a fine of at least Sh200,000.

The procedure is associated with severe health risks, including excessive bleeding, infections, childbirth complications and long-term psychological trauma. It also contributes to school dropouts and lifelong socio-economic disadvantages.

And although national prevalence has declined, "medicalised FGM" and clandestine ceremonies remain common in hotspots such as Kisii and Nyamira.

While some observers argue that Donya may have been joking, the backlash reflects a zero-tolerance stance toward leaders who appear to trivialise gender-based violence.