Kajiado elders have joined hands with their counterparts in Narok County to declare a united stand against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, receiving strong support from First Lady Rachel Ruto.
Speaking during the national launch of the Global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and the My Dear Daughter campaign in Suswa, Narok County, on November 25, 2025, the First Lady praised the elders for their bold declaration. “Today, we honour the Maasai Elders of Narok and Kajiado for boldly declaring: No more FGM and child marriage. Not in our time. Not to our daughters,” she said.
Rachel Ruto emphasized that the eradication of FGM is a national priority. “The eradication of FGM is not optional. It is not negotiable. It is not a suggestion. We must not stop until FGM and child marriage are stories our grandchildren read about, not realities they live through,” she told the gathering.
Her call comes at a time when cases of gender-based violence and early marriages remain prevalent among pastoral communities, especially the Maasai community. She urged the public to stand together to safeguard millions of women and girls at risk of harmful cultural practices.
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The First Lady also hailed the community’s commitment, describing the elders’ declaration as a turning point. “This is a national turning point, a community taking ownership of change, and fathers rising as protectors,” she noted.
The campaign marked a significant step in the fight against FGM and child marriage.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international initiative spearheaded each year by UN Women. The campaign begins on November 25, observed worldwide as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and concludes on December 10, which marks Human Rights Day.
By Masaki Enock
