Member of Parliament (MP) George Kaluma has called for a nationwide halt to all forms of genital mutilation, emphasizing the urgent need to protect the dignity of young people in Kenya.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Kaluma expressed his concerns over the rising cases of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), teenage pregnancies, and early marriages, noting that communities where male circumcision is practised are among the most affected.
He further questioned the logic behind the practice of FGM by some communities in the country.
“Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), teenage pregnancies and early marriages are on the rise in most communities that practice male genital mutilation (circumcision). Why should men from communities that practice female genital mutilation chop their daughter’s genitals and then flock to ladies from communities that don’t practice it, if FGM is good?”MP Kaluma stated.
The vocal MP went on to point out that, worldwide, circumcision is practised by a minority group adding that the FGM and male circumcision should be reconsidered.
“Across the world, circumcision is practised by barely 10% of small, weak and dirty men. Let us stop all forms of genital mutilation in Kenya and keep our young people from these social vices,” Kaluma said.
His remarks come at a time when the country is struggling with the rising troubles of FGM practice in some communities, teenage pregnancies, and early marriages.
FGM practise
Kenya has strict laws against FGM, with the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act, of 2011, making it illegal to perform, facilitate, or assist in FGM. The law also bans trafficking girls for FGM, and anyone found guilty can face up to 7 years in prison or a fine of up to Ksh5 million.
However, enforcing the law remains challenging, especially in rural areas where the practice is deeply ingrained. Social and cultural pressures, along with a lack of awareness about the legal consequences, often make it difficult to implement the law effectively.
The Principal Secretary-State Department of Gender and Affirmative Action Anne Wang’ombe on October 2024, said that the fight against retrogression vices like FGM and GBV should be fought to make society an aggression-free entity.
Wang’ombe further explained that FGM and GBV could be eradicated through investing in programmes that promote access to education for the girl child, economically empowering women and youths and strengthening programmes that propagate gender inclusion and human rights.
“We want to promote and advocate for a free society that is safe, a society where every person is respected regardless of their gender or position.
“Gatekeepers in society are very important and incorporating them in our programmes through mutual respect, meaningful engagement and persuasion can help us achieve our goals of eradicating negative vices within our society,” Wang’ombe said.
