Rukia Abdinassir, First Lady of Wajir, condemned the government's efforts against female genital mutilation, saying forcing people to abandon it will never work.
Rukia told journalists in Wajir town that the practice rate of FGM has reached a record high of 90%, that it is carried out under the supervision of the law and that no arrests have been made yet.
She said the government used education and law to curb vices, but it was all theory and no action was taken.
Rukia said FGM has no basis in Islam and the practice dates back to the Arab era of ignorance, and the best alternative is to use religious leaders to convey the message to the public.
“We want religious elders to carry their message louder to the masses through the pulpits of mosques, because people listen to you more than anyone else,” Rukia says. said.
Recently, First Lady Wajir organized a free obstetrics and gynecology camp at Wajir General Hospital, where she said she witnessed first-hand the painful ordeal of mothers due to FGM.
“I was moved to see mothers not having normal menstrual periods due to blockages caused by years of suffering from FGM, and others suffering from infections due to complications. Rukia added.
Wazir religious elders, represented by Sheikh Hassan Ahmed, said FGM has no Islamic basis and those who practice it should be imprisoned.
“FGM as a whole has no basis in Islam. It is called 'filauni' and is completely criminal, and women who undergo such mutilation are imprisoned as examples and have to pay hefty fines. No,” said Sheikh Hassan.
Wajir Magistrate Rosalyn Aganyo has urged the Wajir County leadership to bring forward the person who will administer the cuts and she will be an example.
Magistrate Rosalyn Aganyo said: “I ensure that those who commit the act of FGM serve the stipulated prison term as it is a grave violation against our daughters.”
Rukia said the practice also violates an individual's right to health, safety and physical integrity. The right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. and the right to life if the procedure results in death.
Wajir District Health Cabinet Executive Committee member Habiba Ali said the practice has no health benefits and causes complications throughout the girl's life.
“At the hospital, a girl under the age of 12 was brought to the hospital bleeding profusely, and her mother endured a long delivery lasting 12 hours to receive stitches,” Habib said.
