19 arrested over female genital mutilation

ALAN MWESIGWA                                               

Police in Kween district is holding 19 suspects for allegedly promoting female genital mutilation, a practice that was outlawed. Three of the suspects are women.

Tatika Rogers, the police spokesperson for Sipi region told us that the suspects were found engaging in the act. He did not provide further details.

The locals told Nile Post that they still cherish their cultural practice never mind its harmful effects and the fact that it contradicts the law.

In Peberwa village Kaptoyoyi sub county locals said they engaged in the act as a way of showing dissatisfaction with government's failure to fulfil its promises.

Some men in the area said it’s a taboo to marry "uncircumcised" woman because they are believed to have no blessing but curses.

However police, local leaders, the church and other stakeholders have joined hands to fight the practice.

Cherotick Michael Kaptekin the district education officer for Kween said the act had affected education in the area with some girls missing their final exams.

Local leaders want government to sensitise the locals about the law that came in 2010 but which many people are still ignorant about.