Stop Outlawed Cultural Practices, Embrace Education CS Cheptumo tells Baringo's Tiaty Residents

You will not develop fast unless you stop two retrogressive vices - banditry and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), CS Cheptumo tells residents of Baringo.

Gender, Culture, and Children Services Cabinet Secretary Hannah Cheptumo tells Baringo residents, especially from Tiaty Sub-County.

She was speaking during a three-day women's conference that brought together women of faith from all six constituencies of Baringo under the theme "Restoring Lost Glory." 

"My ministry is working round the clock to eradicate FGM, which must first be dealt with for the area to develop speedily," Cheptumo said.

She puts chiefs, village elders, and local administrators on notice, warning that they will face disciplinary action if cases are reported in their jurisdiction.

She said administrators have a duty to protect girls and cannot afford to look away.

Cheptumo expressed concern that despite years of sensitization, laws and efforts by government, church and stakeholders, girls still undergo the cut in Baringo.

"There are worrying cases of young girls disappearing from schools during cutting season and even adult women seeking the cut" she said.

CS further described the practice as retrogressive and said cultural belief can not be used to justify violation of rights.

Linking it to banditry, Cheptumo echoed the position long held by National Government and Baringo leaders to beef up security.

"The two practices were always intertwined," she said.

Tiaty has been the epicenter of bandit attacks that have killed close to 400 people and displaced thousands in Baringo North and South, with leaders noting that no development can happen when residents live in bushes.

Cheptumo, however, called on women, the church and elders to become agents of peace and to educate the community to shun cattle rustling and FGM, saying unity and faith will restore Baringo's glory.