Ten teenagers from Igembe South sub-county, Meru County, are now in police custody after being caught undergoing the outlawed practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

The incident, which took place in Giika Location, has stirred outrage as both national and international organizations continue to denounce FGM as a harmful and illegal act.

The operation, led by Giika Location Chief Gervase Mucheke, was set in motion after a courageous member of the community, who has been actively campaigning against FGM, tipped off the authorities.

The chief quickly mobilized local police officers, and together, they were able to intercept the ongoing ritual, arresting the ten girls in the process.

“We received information about the illegal activity and acted swiftly to prevent further harm. We managed to arrest the girls involved, along with their parents and one of the individuals responsible for performing the procedure,” Chief Mucheke confirmed.

The arrest of the parents underscores the growing concern over the role of families in perpetuating this dangerous tradition.

Despite ongoing efforts to eradicate FGM, some parents still secretly subject their daughters to the practice, often during school holidays when they believe it will go unnoticed.

“Many parents are taking advantage of the holiday season to have their children undergo FGM, believing it to be a rite of passage,” Chief Mucheke added.

The crackdown serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in the fight against FGM, despite widespread awareness campaigns and legal prohibitions.

As these ten teenagers await their fate as “guests of the state,” the incident has reignited discussions about the need for continued vigilance and education to protect vulnerable girls from this harmful practice.