The lack of goodwill by political and church leaders has hampered efforts to eradicate the illegal practice of female genital mutilation, Linah Kilimo has said.
The Anti-Female Genital Mutilation Board chairperson asked the groups and teachers to help the government, which outlawed the practice, in fighting it.
“No woman or girl should suffer or die due to FGM in the 21st century. Any effort to eradicate it must involve uncompromising political will and leadership, backed up by strong measures and collective actions at the grassroots level,” Kilimo said.
“All we need to stop the practice is more sensitisation. I urge every man and woman who feels the pain I feel for these girls to join me in saying 'no' to FGM."
She spoke on Saturday morning at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Eldoret town during the closure of a seminar for the boards of schools in Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Trans Nzoia that are sponsored by the Catholic Church.
Noting that girls must be allowed to enjoy all their constitutional rights so as to fulfill their dreams, Kilimo said anyone engaging in FGM should be arrested and charged in court.
She expressed concern over the increasing number of cases of FGM despite the negative effects it has on the physical, sexual and psychological health of girls and women.
"It should be clear to all of us that FGM is partly responsible for the high maternal and infant mortality rates, common among communities where it is widely practised," she said.
Kilimo noted the “fear among elected leaders that they will lose votes if they speak out openly about FGM", saying some encourage the practice for political survival.
"This is really sad,” she said, but lauded leaders in Marsabit, Isiolo, Nyamira, Kisii, Samburu, Bomet, Narok, West Pokot and Kajiado counties for a spirited fight against FGM.
The anti-FGM campaigner asked relevant government agencies to conduct more campaigns to raise awareness about the law, where the practice is concerned, and the dangers it comes with.
Citing early marriages, she said the state should continue to fight FGM to advance children’s rights to education, health and development.
Eldoret Catholic Diocese Bishop Cornelius Korir called for an end to cultural practices that hinder girls' education and development.
Korir said tit was time for communities to abandon outdated practices and educate both male and female children.
Eldoret West district education officer Moses Bosire said it is impossible to honour traditions without affecting health and basic human rights, and endangering girls' lives..
"Education is the key to succeeding in life. It should be clear that educated citizens are a great resource for any country," he said.