Nakuru muslim leaders oppose attempt to legalise FGM

Friday Bulleting

A medical doctor Tatu Kamau who has filed a case to legalize female circumcision. ( Courtesy)

NAKURU—Muslim leaders in Nakuru have spoken strongly against attempts to decriminalize Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), following the filing of a case to have the procedure legalized.

Reacting to a case that was filed at the Machakos High Court by a medical doctor Tatu Kamau to legalize female circumcision, Rift valley Kenya Council of Imams and Ulamaa (KCIU) leadership said the practice would subject women and girls  to serious social and health ramifications.

The leaders pointed out that Kenya has made a major step as a nation in fighting FGM  and as leaders will not allow some individuals to take the country back and stressed that they are united against FGM,a practice they said  is harmful to women.

Speaking at Jamia Mosque in Nakuru town ,the leaders led by Imam  Ahmad Rashid said it was regrettable that a female medical practitioner is behind the case yet she understands the consequences of FGM.

Describing FGM as a ‘critical issue’, Sheikh Ahmad noted that there is no authentic or relevant Islamic evidence sanctioning or allowing Female Genital Mutilation in all its forms and called on all Muslim institutions to take up and support resolute action to stop the harmful practice which it is prohibited by Islamic and Kenyan laws.

“All harmful traditional practices against women and in particular female genital mutilation of all types do not have religious ground and support are condemned,” said Sheikh Ahmad Rashid.

The Sheikh who is also KCIU project coordinator, said FGM violates girls and women’s rights and inhuman practice which sometimes results in death.

In the case filed before Justice David Kemei on Wednesday last week, Dr. Tatu Kamau wants the Anti-FGM board which has been spearheading the campaign against the practice, abolished.

Female circumcision was declared illegal in Kenya through FGM Act passed in 2011. Anyone who violates the Act risks going to jail for not less than 3 years or paying a fine not less than Ksh. 200,000.

The case by Dr. Kamau will be heard on February 26th.