A Kenyan woman has been sentenced to two concurrent three-year prison terms, or an alternative fine of 200,000 shillings ($1,550), after a court found her guilty of allowing her home to be used to subject four young girls to female genital mutilation (FGM).
Mariam Daudi was convicted by the Kipini Mobile Court in Tana River County after prosecutors established that she made her premises available for the cutting of four girls aged between six and 10 years.
She was also found guilty of failing to report the commission of the offence, according to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The case was prosecuted by Job Nyakundi before magistrate Leah Wasige, with the prosecution presenting seven witnesses, including the four victims, a clinical officer, the Assistant County Commissioner for Kipini Division and the investigating officer.
Daudi called her brother as her sole defence witness before closing her case.
The court convicted her on two counts under the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act, 2011: allowing premises to be used for FGM, contrary to Section 22, and failing to report the commission of an offence, contrary to Section 24.
The magistrate ordered the sentences to run concurrently, meaning Daudi will serve a maximum of three years in prison if she does not pay the alternative fine.
“The case should serve as a warning to members of the Orma community and other communities that continue to practise or facilitate FGM,” said the magistrate.
Kenya outlawed female genital mutilation under the 2011 Act, which criminalises not only the practice itself but also acts that facilitate it, including providing premises for the procedure and failing to report its commission.
The prosecution said the outcome underscored the government’s commitment to protecting children and vulnerable persons from harmful cultural practices.
The ODPP said it would continue working with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that perpetrators and those who facilitate FGM are held accountable.
