FIDA raises alarm over FGM cases on newborn girls in Tharaka Nithi
By Ascah Mwango, February 13, 2026The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has raised alarm over reports that newborn girls in Tharaka Nithi County are being subjected to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
In a statement shared on X on Friday, February 13, 2026, the women’s rights organisation said it had received disturbing information indicating that the outlawed practice is now being carried out on infants. FIDA termed the move not only illegal but deeply harmful, warning that subjecting newborns to FGM exposes them to severe health risks and lifelong trauma.
The organisation noted that FGM has no medical benefit and instead causes serious physical and psychological harm. It pointed out that performing the procedure on newborns, who are unable to protect themselves or speak out, makes the act even more cruel and abusive.
“Recent reports from Tharaka Nithi County indicate that some newborn girls are being subjected to FGM. FGM is a harmful & illegal practice that violates children’s rights & endangers their health, dignity & future. It has no medical benefits & causes severe physical & psychological harm, often resulting in lifelong trauma. Performing FGM on newborns, who cannot defend themselves, is especially cruel & abusive,” FIDA stated.
FGM remains prohibited under the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 2011, alongside other child protection laws. FIDA urged authorities to strictly enforce the law and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
The lobby group called on local leaders, law enforcement officers, healthcare workers and members of the community to take immediate action.
Among the measures proposed are reporting suspected cases to the relevant authorities, stepping up public awareness campaigns to educate families on the dangers and illegality of the practice, and offering counselling and support services to affected girls and their families.
“We urge local leaders, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community members to act immediately. Key actions include: reporting any suspected cases of FGM to the authorities, as well as enforcing the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act (2011) & other child protection laws. We also need to be conducting widespread awareness campaigns to educate families about the dangers & illegality of FGM, in addition to providing support & counselling to affected girls & their families. Every child deserves to grow up safe, healthy, and free from harm. We must protect girls’ rights from birth,” FIDA said.
Tharaka Nithi County has, in the past, been among the regions flagged for persistent cases of FGM, despite sustained efforts by the government and civil society groups to eradicate the practice.
FIDA maintained that every child has a right to grow up safe, healthy and free from harm, stressing the need for collective responsibility in protecting girls from birth.