A section of Leaders from Mwea Sub-County in Embu County, have sounded alarm over increased cases of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) during school holidays, calling on parents and communities to protect young girl during this long school holiday.
They warned that school holidays often expose girls to the danger of undergoing the illegal cultural practice, urging parents, guardians and community members to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases to the relevant authorities.
Families still carrying on the outlawed practice often send their teenage daughters to neighboring counties during school holidays, as they go for normal relative visits to be cut and then return home as if nothing had happened.
Led by Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi, the leaders called on parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for their children during the long holiday, warning that a lack of proper guidance and supervision could expose learners to such cultural practices that jeopardize their education and future prospects.
Speaking during this year’s Mashujaa Day Celebrations at Wango Market in Mwea Ward, Mundigi emphasized the need for families and communities to create a safe environment for children, encouraging parents to ensure that learners use the holiday period constructively rather than engaging in activities that could derail their academic progress.
The Senator’s concerns come as schools across the country break for the holidays, a period when child protection advocates often call for heightened vigilance against harmful practices, including FGM and early marriages.
Makima Ward MCA Philip Nzangi condemned the practice, describing it as an outdated practice that should be firmly rejected by society, calling on residents to embrace practices that protect girls and promote their well-being.
His Mwea Ward counterpart, MCA Job Itumo, echoed the call, saying the community must unite in the fight against FGM and other practices that undermine the rights and welfare of children.
The leaders called for collective action to ensure that every child remains safe throughout the holiday period, stressing that protecting girls from FGM requires vigilance, community cooperation and firm enforcement of the law.
Area Deputy County Commissioner John Marete warned individuals against exploiting children during the holiday period, saying the government would not tolerate practices that threaten their safety, dignity and future.
Marete further issued a stern warning to traders selling alcoholic drinks to children, saying those found engaging in the illegal business would be dealt with accordingly.
He urged members of the public to work closely with security agencies to identify and report individuals involved in FGM, child abuse and other activities that put minors at risk.
By Samuel Waititu
