Elgeyo Marakwet’s acting County Commissioner, Julius Maiyo, has issued a warning to those planning to have their daughters genitally mutilated during the festive season, that they will face the full force of the law.
The CC underscored that the vice is widespread in Marakwet region, stating that the government is monitoring and will take firm action against parents and government officials perpetrating the cut.
In his off-cuff remarks after reading the presidential speech during this year’s Mashujaa day celebrations at Kipsoen Technical Training Institute, the CC said girls should be taken to school instead of being forced to undergo FGM which ends up interrupting their education.
Furthermore, the CC emphasized residents to ensure proper care for boys undergoing circumcision to prevent potential deaths or injuries, as has been the case in the past, urging the residents to be vigilant against rampant drug abuse, citing a recent operation in Iten where an Eldoret polytechnic student was nabbed with 56 rolls of bhang.
The CC praised civil servants, including teachers, medical personnel, and security officers, as heroes and heroines for their significant roles in the public, he specifically singled out police officers working in the Kerio Valley saying through their efforts the area is now enjoying peace and called on residents to take advantage of the prevailing peace to engage in development activities.
The government has established dams in Kerio Valley, urging residents to use them for irrigation agriculture, ensuring sufficient food supply and earning income. Meanwhile, the speaker urged Kerio Valley residents to allow the adjudication process by the ministry of lands to conclude, stating it will be a time-consuming process.
The CC expressed disappointment over the return of individuals who left the area over 20 years ago to claim land, causing conflicts.
by Alice Wanjiru
