Remarks by Trans Nzoia County CECM Spark Uproar Among FGM Survivors

By Joan Cherop

CECM Phanice Khatundi at a past event.

Phanice Khatundi, the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, and Fisheries, also serving as the acting CECM for Lands in Trans Nzoia County, has found herself at the center of controversy following remarks that have drawn sharp criticism from Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) survivors and advocates.

Khatundi reportedly insinuated that a female politician "feels like men" because she comes from a community known to practice FGM. Her comments have been widely condemned as insensitive and damaging, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and undermining the ongoing efforts to combat the practice and support survivors.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AFv5uQKdK/

FGM is a deeply entrenched issue in Kenya, with a prevalence rate of 15% among women aged 15 to 49, according to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. Despite legal prohibitions, the practice persists in some communities, inflicting lasting physical and psychological trauma on women and girls.

Women leaders and activists have been vocal in their condemnation of such rhetoric. During the "Break The Blade" campaign launch in October 2024, Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda emphasized the need to end the stigma faced by women from communities that practice FGM, stating, "Women should not fear that they cannot be leaders, get married, or participate in important societal roles simply because of their background."

Globally, activists like Fatou Baldeh, a survivor and founder of Women in Liberation & Leadership (WILL), have dedicated their efforts to eradicating FGM. Despite Gambia’s national ban on the practice since 2015, enforcement remains weak, with an estimated 75% of women aged 15 to 49 having undergone the procedure. Baldeh stresses the need for open and honest discussions to bring an end to the harmful tradition.

"This Activist Wants to End Female Genital Mutilation | TIME" https://time.com/7216397/female-genital-multilation-gambia-fatou-baldeh/

In response to Khatundi’s remarks, the Anti-FGM Board, led by CEO Bernadette Loloju, has called for a public apology. 

"We will bring all stakeholders on board and emphasize the importance of responsible discourse around FGM," Loloju stated, reaffirming the board’s commitment to fighting the practice and protecting the dignity of survivors.

The Anti-FGM Board, standing in solidarity with all survivors, demands an apology from CEC Khatundi and an immediate retraction of her statement. Leadership comes with responsibility, and we expect all public officials to champion the protection of women's rights and work towards a society free from FGM and any form of gender-based discrimination.

Statement By CEO, Anti-FGM Board.

In her remarks H.E Janepher Chemtai, Deputy governor Bungoma county condenms the irresponsible and divisive remarks which undermine Kalenjin women and girls by terming them as circumcised. ”we call upon relevant authorities to take action, to uphold the public dignity” says the deputy governor.

https://www.facebook.com/JanepherMbatianyDG039/videos/954441720227576/?app=fbl

Leaders, especially those seeking to represent women’s interests, have a duty to promote equality, respect, and empowerment. Dismissing or trivializing the struggles of FGM survivors not only perpetuates harm but also undermines the fight for gender equality and social justice. It is imperative that public figures use their platforms to advocate for progress, not reinforce outdated prejudices.

Joan Cherop is a student at Kabarak University. joancherop@kabarak.ac.ke

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