By Elijah Gichunge
Photo: Leakey Gitonga and Phoebe Okall

Governor Kiraitu hosted a delegation from the National Anti FGM Board, that was on a fact finding mission, following the recent Gender Based Violence (Female Genital Mutilation-FGM) witnessed, especially, in the Northern parts of Meru, leading to loss of lives in the worse case scenario.

Led by their Chair, Ms. Agnes Pareiyo and Director Anti-FGM, Shoba Liban, the team paid a courtesy call to the Governor, County Commissioner as well as the DCC Igembe Central before addressing a leader's meeting at Kangeta DCC's Office to strategize on the fight against FGM havoc.

The Governor who was flanked by the CEC in charge of Gender and Social Development, Linner Nkirote, her Chief Officer, Lewis Mwirigi, Chief Gender and Social Development Officer, Winfred Kagwiria, categorically stated that the greater Meru's culture does not support FGM and termed it as being a social evil.

Further, Governor Kiraitu cited that Njuri Ncheke, custodians of the Ameru Culture, made a declaration in the year 1956 to end FGM, in a statement that was echoed by the former MP Igembe North, Joseph Muturia, at a separate meeting in Kangeta where he went on to explain that the declaration was made in a public meeting conveyed by the first Kenyan Asst. Chief, Ciokalaine in the same vanue.

Kiraitu asserted that FGM is a crime like any other, and is punishable by law, adding the County Government has prepared an Anti - GBV Policy, that has been approved by the cabinet. He intimated that the document will, in due course, be tabled in the County Assembly for discussion before it is assented to law.

As the County head, the Governor said the three recent FGM occurrence set him a back that the habit has not seized in Meru, as is the case, for most parts of the Republic. He pressed that retrogressive social elements leading the society back into such unfortunate practices has to be discouraged as such inhumane practices infringe on human rights.

The CEC said her department is not operating in a vacuum and that one of the splendid ways induced to enhance the aforementioned fight, is the preparation of Anti-GBV Policy paper that was approved by Cabinet. She said the policy will be a shield in the fight against such abasing anti- social behaviours.

She added the fight will be effective through a collective responsibility of Men, Women, youth and security agencies.

The Board Chair, lauded the County adminstration's role in combating any and all GBV related issues, intimating that once assented into law, the policy would be a great boost on the fight. At Kangeta, she encouraged the public to come out and strongly condemn the FGM.

As an outcome of the leaders meeting with the board and County officials, Ms. Pareiyo said the board will be working closely with the leaders and the community at large, through the use of educative programs to create awareness, instill mindset change and identify the perpetrators, whom she noted, live within the society.

Igembe Central DCC, Jossiah Odongo, equally said strong collaboration among all stakeholders is a prerequisite to ensuring there is a responsible fight against Gender related violence.