Wajir First Lady Rukia Abdinasir has faulted the government's approach to tackling FGM, saying that forcing people to abandon the practice will never work.
Speaking to journalists in Wajir town, Rukia said FGM practice is at an all-time high of 90% and happening under the very eyes of the law with no arrest yet.
She said the government used education and legislation to curb the vices, but all that was on paper, and no action was taken.
Rukia said the best alternative is to use religious leaders in converting the message to the public, as FGM has no basis in Islam, dating the practice to an Arab period of ignorance.
"We want our religious elders to elevate the message louder to the populace through the pulpits of mosques because people listen to you more than anybody else," Rukia said.
Recently, the Wajir first lady held a free obstetrics and gynaecology camp at Wajir General Hospital, where she said she saw her first-hand mother's painful ordeal resulting from FGM.
"I was emotional seeing mothers not having normal menstruation due to blockage caused by FGM-suffering years. Someone was suffering from infections caused by its complications too, added Rukia.
Wajir religious elders, represented by Shiekh Hassan Ahmed, said FGM has no basis in Islam and anyone practising it should be jailed.
"FGM, in its entirety, has no basis in Islam. It's called "The Firawni" and is totally a crime, and women undergoing those cuts should be jailed and pay hefty fines to serve as an example," said Shiekh Hassan.
Wajir Magistrate Rosalyn Aganyo urged the leadership of Wajir County to bring forward persons administering the cut, and she will serve as an example.
"I assure you, anyone who is guilty of FGM practice will serve the stipulated jail time because it's a gross violation of our daughters," said Magistrate Rosalyn Aganyo.
Rukia said the practice also violates a person's rights to health, security, and physical integrity; the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment; and the right to life in instances where the procedure results in death.
Wajir County Health Cabinet executive committee member Habiba Ali said the practice has zero health benefits and causes complications throughout the life of the girl child.
"At hospitals, girls under the age of 12 are brought in with excessive bleeding, and mothers undergo prolonged labour for twelve hours due to stitches done," said Habib
