A 34-year-old mother of three from Kocholwo village, Keiyo South Sub County, lost her life after being forced to undergo Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) while pregnant. The botched procedure underscores the enduring danger of this outlawed cultural practice, which continues to claim lives and violate human rights.
The victim, whose name remains undisclosed, succumbed to excessive bleeding after the forced procedure. Her 45-year-old co-wife, also subjected to FGM at the same time, narrowly escaped death after experiencing severe bleeding. She is currently receiving treatment at Kamwosor Subcounty Hospital.
A Practice Rooted in Harmful Traditions
Keiyo South Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Diana Wekesa disclosed that the women’s husband had orchestrated the procedure, summoning a circumciser to their home. The impetus for the FGM reportedly stemmed from traditional beliefs: the family intended to circumcise the sons of the first wife on an upcoming Saturday, and local customs dictated that uncircumcised women should not cook for circumcised males.
Such beliefs continue to perpetuate FGM despite its clear health risks and legal prohibition in Kenya. Tragically, what was meant to uphold cultural norms turned deadly, leaving a family shattered and a community grappling with the consequences of outdated traditions.
Legal and Community Response
Following the incident, the circumciser was detained and handed over to police at Kaptagat Police Station, while the husband, who fled the scene, remains at large. Law enforcement is actively pursuing him, with the DCC urging residents to cooperate by reporting incidents of FGM before they occur.
“FGM remains outlawed in the country due to its dangerous effects on women’s lives,” Wekesa emphasized. “There was enough evidence leading to the decision to abandon this harmful practice. People didn’t just wake up one day and decide to do away with it.”
Kenya has taken significant legal steps to eliminate FGM, including the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 2011. However, cultural entrenchment, secrecy, and community complicity continue to pose challenges to enforcement.
A Grim Reminder of FGM’s Risks
The dangers of FGM are well-documented. The procedure often leads to severe bleeding, infections, complications during childbirth, and long-term psychological trauma. In this case, the victim’s pregnancy exacerbated the risks, turning an already harmful procedure into a fatal one.
Despite widespread awareness campaigns, communities like Kocholwo remain resistant to change. Local leaders and authorities are now calling for intensified efforts to educate residents about the dangers of FGM and to challenge the cultural norms that perpetuate it.
The Call to End FGM
DCC Wekesa’s appeal to the community reflects a broader national and global push to eradicate FGM. “This practice has been overtaken by time. It’s critical that we adopt new ways of doing things and prioritize the safety and dignity of women and girls,” she said.
Kenya’s commitment to ending FGM aligns with international efforts such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to eliminate harmful practices, including FGM, by 2030.
For communities still practicing FGM, the road to eradication involves addressing deeply ingrained beliefs and empowering women to resist coercion. The tragic death in Keiyo serves as a sobering reminder of the work that remains.
Moving Forward
To prevent further tragedies, authorities and local leaders must intensify their efforts to raise awareness, enforce laws, and provide safe channels for reporting potential cases of FGM. Community education, coupled with survivor support and advocacy, can help dismantle the harmful cultural practices that claim innocent lives.
As Kenya continues to confront the shadow of FGM, this tragic incident highlights the urgent need for collective action to protect women and girls from such preventable harm.
