Dear Dr. Fred Matiang’i
I know you are a very busy man so I will be very short. You have been the most vocal Cabinet Secretary over the last five years who has revolutionized the education sector in Kenya and for that, I salute you. You have worked miracles in delivering and implementing policies meant for the betterment of the education system. Simply put Matiang’i is a household name in Kenya.
I am sure by now you have found your way around the Ministry of Interior & Coordination of National Government and, I want to draw your attention to a matter that may be in one of the dirty old files as it has been overlooked by many of your predecessors. This matter will surely help cement your legacy at the Ministry of Education as it affects thousands of school-going girls from all over the country, sad even Kisii girls in your home county are not spared.
Yes, I am talking about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), This harmful cultural practice which acts as a prerequisite for child marriage in many practicing communities has given us many sleepless nights. Activists, NGOs, and the Children’s Department have done their work, and communities have been sensitized right left, and center, but the implementation of the Anti-FGM Act of October 2011 has faced many challenges. It is not time for blame games but allow me to report some of your chiefs and other administrators have been sympathizers of this harmful cultural practice. Politicians also have not done any justice to this law.
A word from you directed to County commissioners and commanders, Sub-County administrators, and chiefs is enough to save thousands of girls from this harmful practice. It may seem like a less pressing issue on your list but kindly find a way of addressing it.
Regards,
Tony Mwebia
I think, the letter written to Hon.Mating’ has been to a right person and a right time.Our girls and women dreams are destroyed by FGM culture
Thank you sir
Very true. As an activist in Kisii land I have once openly received a rude shock from one current politician who got interested in our Invitation to partner at first. When he realised it is about FGM he went veeeery quiet up to today.I didn’t know what to interpret the silence into, maybe their preference is to being in the county assembly where they can receive sitting allowances but hell NO because it is quite against social justice doing that while over half of the population (women and girls) is left behind due to structural inequalities caused by this harmful practice F.G.M which has gone underground and with a lot of dynamics in it. I agree we need support in implementation of the law not only from men but also people who command influence in the community like you Mr.C.S among other politicians.
Thank you Teresiah… I totally agree with your sentiments
Thank you Teresiah
WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..more wait .. …
That’s lovely ,no better time than now