Police have arrested four people, including a circumciser, for conducting Female Genital Mutilation in Embobut, Elgeyo Marakwet County. The arrests followed an operation in Kapchebao and Embolot villages where officers confirmed that eight females had undergone the illegal practice about a week earlier.

The victims included women aged 25, 23 and 18, and girls aged 16 and 14. They were taken to a local hospital for treatment and later discharged. Their parents and the circumciser were subsequently arrested and are awaiting arraignment.

FGM is outlawed under Kenya’s 2011 Anti-FGM Act, which criminalises perpetrators and those who facilitate the practice, imposing harsh penalties including life imprisonment in cases leading to death. Despite the law, the practice persists due to deep-rooted cultural beliefs.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, four suspects were arrested over a mob lynching in Gaitu, Imenti, Meru County. They were presented in court on December 29, with police granted 30 days to complete investigations. Police reiterated that mob justice is a criminal offence and urged the public to report suspects to authorities.