An attempt to free 14 women arrested while undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM) in Mariashoni Forest, Nakuru County, was quashed by police on Thursday.
An angry crowd tried to break into a cell, forcing three armed officers stationed at Mariashoni Police Station to fire warning shots to disperse the mob.
Reinforcements of regular police and officers from the General Service Unit (GSU) were quickly deployed to restore order.
The incident occurred hours after the women, aged between 21 and 28, were arrested while undergoing the cut.
Molo Deputy County Commissioner Jackson ole Chuta confirmed that the women, along with the main perpetrator and three assistants, were arrested following a tip-off from the public.
“The women were arrested in one of the homes in the forest where the area OCS and the local chiefs raided and arrested them together with the main perpetrator and three others who were assisting her,” said Mr Chuta.
Molo Deputy County Commissioner Jackson ole Chuta speaks to residents outside Mariashoni Dispensary in Nakuru County on November 14, 2024, after 14 women were detained for undergoing FGM.
Photo credit: John Njoroge | Nation
Among those arrested were 10 nursing mothers with children aged between 8 months and one and a half years.
The women were taken to Mariashoni Dispensary for medical treatment, but one who was bleeding profusely was rushed to Molo Sub-County Hospital.
Mr Chuta said that the main perpetrator will be charged because she is not a licensed medical practitioner and the procedure itself is illegal.
According to the administrator, the women had agreed with their husbands to undergo FGM in order to be recognised within their community, a tradition among the Ogiek people. He urged residents to respect the law and refrain from practices that violate the constitution.
Some of the items recovered by police in Nakuru where 14 women were detained on November 14, 2024 for undergoing FGM.
Photo credit: John Njoroge | Nation
He also ordered Nyumba Kumi members to repair the broken windows at the police station caused by the rowdy crowd.
Molo police boss Timon Odingo confirmed that apart from the woman who was referred for further treatment, the rest were treated and discharged from Mariashoni Dispensary.
Police seized various items believed to have been used during the procedure, including painkillers, lotions, razor blades, bandages and knives, which were found in a handbag at the scene and will be used as evidence.
“The razor blades were few compared to the number of women, indicating they were reused during the cut,” said Mr Odingo.
He assured the public that the police would intensify operations to apprehend more people involved in FGM as well as continue to hold educational forums on its dangers.
“Incidents of early marriages, school dropouts, and FGM have been on the rise in Mariashoni and surrounding areas,” said Mr Odingo.
