Fight against FGM derailed by politicians afraid of losing their seats – Aisha Jumwa

The Ministry of Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aisha Jumwa has stated that politicians elected in areas affected by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) hinder efforts to eradicate the vice by not condemning it.

According to Jumwa, the politicians are afraid of losing their positions if they speak on the matter, unlike religious leaders who have been at the forefront of condemning FGM.

"It makes politicians afraid to lose their seats. I have tried to urge these leaders to attend meetings but they are unwilling to speak on these matters in their areas," said Jumwa on Monday.

Speaking in an interview on Citizen TV, Jumwa mentioned that around 4.3 million women in Kenya have gone through FGM and curbing the rising cases will require collective efforts from the communities and government.

Citing the challenges currently being faced, the CS stated that those living near the border cross over to Uganda, Ethiopia and Tanzania to practice FGM.

This has been encouraged by officers who are bribed to allow citizens across the border.

She added that there is a committee in every county that practices FGM which is tasked to undertake the sensitization programmes.

Jumwa spoke ahead of the International Day of Zero Tolerance of FGM set to be held in Elgeyo Marakwet County on February 6, 2024.

This year's theme, Jumwa added, will be "Investing in Survivors Late Movement".  

She noted that the event aims to speak to FGM survivors who are likely to continue with the practice by telling their women and girls to undergo the cut.