April 13, 2011
Nairobi Star- allAfrica.com
Francis Mureithi
MPs yesterday commended debate on a Bill that seeks to punish those found practicing Female Genital Mutilation. The motion which was moved by Mt Elgon MP Fred Kapondi received the backing of all legislators who stood to contribute saying it was time the country effected laws to curb FGM.
Kapondi told the House that FGM was interfering with women sexuality. He said the act has been a major factor undermining development noting that it had inhibited the education of the girl child in many parts of the country.
MPs Ekwe Ethuro (Turkana Central), John Mututho (Naivasha), Aden Duale (Dujis) said Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Bill 2010 will go along way in protecting the girl child. "FGM affects the child birth for women, FGM affects infertility and cause trauma," said Duale while supporting the motion.
The Bill provides that any one found practicing FGM and convicted will be sent to jail for seven years or fined Sh500,000. Anyone who causes death in the process of carrying out FGM will be liable to life imprisonment.
Those convicted of aiding, abetting or carrying out FGM will be liable to imprisonment for a term between three and seven years or a fine of between Sh100,000 and Sh500,000.
