President Ruto Issues Strong Warning Against FGM in Marsabit, Declares It Illegal and Unconstitutional

 

President William Ruto delivered a resolute message to Marsabit residents, denouncing the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) during the Marsabit Lake Turkana Cultural Festival in Loiyangalani. Emphasizing the illegality and unconstitutionality of FGM in Kenya, the President declared that no girl or woman should endure such a violation of their rights.

In addition to condemning FGM, President Ruto issued a stern warning against early marriages in Marsabit County. He urged that young girls be allowed to pursue education, asserting that women often lead the perpetuation of both FGM and early marriages. The President directed local authorities, including chiefs and their assistants, to vigilantly monitor and apprehend those orchestrating these practices.

Expressing concern for the future of the affected children, President Ruto called for severe legal consequences, including lengthy jail terms, for individuals involved in FGM. He urged leaders in the county to leverage the 16 days of gender activism to raise awareness against these harmful practices.

Furthermore, President Ruto advocated for the administration of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to girls aged 9-15 to prevent cervical cancer. Stressing the availability of sufficient vaccines in the country, he called on all first ladies to collaborate with leaders in promoting HPV vaccination and safeguarding the health of young girls.

President Ruto's strong stance against FGM aligns with broader efforts in Kenya and globally to eradicate the harmful practice. FGM is not only a violation of human rights but also poses serious health risks and perpetuates gender inequality. By addressing the issue during a cultural festival, the President leveraged a platform that celebrates cultural diversity to convey a message of social change.

The warning against early marriages complements the fight against FGM, as both practices often intersect and contribute to the cycle of gender-based violence and discrimination. President Ruto's directive to local authorities underscores the importance of community involvement and law enforcement in tackling deeply rooted cultural norms that harm young girls.

The call for severe legal consequences for those involved in FGM sends a strong message about the government's commitment to eradicating the practice. Implementing and enforcing strict penalties can serve as a deterrent, prompting communities to reconsider the continuation of harmful traditions.

President Ruto's advocacy for HPV vaccination is a noteworthy initiative to address public health concerns. Cervical cancer is a significant health threat, and vaccination programs can contribute to preventing its spread. The call for collaboration among first ladies and local leaders demonstrates the importance of a coordinated approach to public health interventions.

In conclusion, President Ruto's statements at the Marsabit Lake Turkana Cultural Festival reflect a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach to address deeply rooted cultural practices that harm women and girls. The emphasis on legal consequences, education, and health interventions highlights the interconnectedness of efforts to promote gender equality and protect the well-being of vulnerable populations.