During a campaign against FGM in Meru, ten girls and their parents were taken into custody.

Ten girls aged between 10 to 16 years have been arrested in Giika, Meru County, on suspicion of undergoing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

During an operation led by Area Chief Gerevasio Mucheke, the girls’ parents were also taken into custody, while two additional suspects are still on the run.

The arrests were made after a WhatsApp group exposed messages confirming that the girls had undergone the unlawful cut.

“This has deeply shocked us. We can’t fathom why anyone would revert to such a brutal practice,” said Chief Gerevasio Mucheke.

“We’ve also arrested the woman who performed the procedure,” he added.

Assistant Chief Anaclate Mutwiri of Marega Sub-Location added, “Out of 17 girls, it’s confirmed that 10 underwent the procedure.

“This is something we haven’t seen in our community for years.”

At the same time, Ezra Muchai, a teacher at a local school in the area warned that anyone thinking of engaging in FGM will be reported to the authorities.

Additionally Muchai explained that the illegal practice causes serious health complications to the victims.