MARSABIT— Child rights activist Rose Orguba says in many pastoralist communities including the Rendille, Borana, Gabra and Somali, female genital mutilation is still viewed as a rite of passage into adulthood.
Speaking during a workshop in Marsabit County, Orguba said the practice violates basic human rights and leaves girls with severe physical and psychological scars.
“Girls experience severe pain, bleeding and shock during the procedure, which is often done without pain relief,” she said.
Orguba cited long-term health effects including increased risk of infections from shared cutting instruments, scar tissue that blocks or narrows the vaginal opening, chronic urinary tract infections, painful urination and severe menstrual pain.
Survivors also suffer emotional trauma such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression and feelings of betrayal by their community. She added that the seclusion period after cutting forces girls to miss weeks of school.
In many pastoralist communities, a circumcised girl is expected to marry immediately, often to a much older man in exchange for bride price such as livestock.
Girls and families who reject the practice face stigma, bullying and are labelled “unclean,” leading to social isolation.
A Rendille Community elder, Mzee Isaac Dokhle also addressed the forum and highlighted the long-term health complications of FGM that increase financial burdens on families, especially during childbirth.
He urged pastoralist communities to abandon the outdated practice, saying it is the responsibility of all community members to fight it.
Mr. Dokhle called on elders to come together to end the practice and asked mothers to stop endorsing it, and instead educate young girls on its dangers.
