13 girls stranded in Kabarnet town after escaping FGM in Baringo

Thirteen girls are stranded at Kabarnet town in Baringo County after escaping Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in at Embositit village in Tiaty Sub-county on Sunday.

The incident happens as schools close across the country and pupils break for their August holidays.

They are currently putting up temporarily for their safety at Deaf and Blind Rehabilitation centre in Kabarnet town.

"They were stranded in town so after listening to their disheartening experiences I decided to offer them a class to stay as they await their next move” the centre principal Salina Binito told media today on Thursday.

She adds that the girls who are in dire need of humanitarian hail from Kangiruru, Loyamoi, Embositit, Chepkirial, Akoret and Kongor rural villages.

The girl aged between 8 and 13 years were among 22 rescued in different dates between the year 2014 and 2017.

According to the rescuer 34-year missionary Judy Seguton the children were then taken to various schools and were in between standard one and seven.

She said health condition for some of them were not well, “one of them is fighting Kal-azer while three others complain of malaria” she said.

"I took the girls to various schools far from their homes but I still have a challenge hosting them during holidays due of being stolen by their parents” Judy said.

She wishes some people of goodwill could come and help place the girls in good boarding schools begging probably next term.

Baringo Commissioner said he had not received such information earlier.

"In fact to be honest I am getting it from you right now” Wafula said adding that he will get in touch with his officers on the ground.

He confirmed the worrying situation FGM cases going on in the lower parts of the county.

Tirioko Ward Representative Sam Lokales said he has less to offer the rescued girls.

"What do you expect me to do with the overwhelming initiation cases during the holidays, I am confused" he said.

The legislature set the responsibility on the local chiefs and the entire security apparatus saying they were better placed to deal with the situation.

-JOSEPH KANGOGO