Source: All Africa
Most parents and circumcisers in West Pokot do not know about the anti-FGM law, activist Domtilah Chesang has said.

Parents of two 12-year-old girls from Mwino village were charged on Monday after subjecting their daughters to FGM.

The children are healing at Ortum Girls Rescue Centre.

Chesang told the Star in Ortum town yesterday most parents and circumcisers learn FGM is an offence after they are arrested.

She said one parent pleaded guilty and was jailed for three years.

"She said it was her duty to ensure her daughter is circumcised," Chesang said.

"The county and national governments should help us educate our people on the law and save our children from this torture.

One of the girls said she was forced to undergo FGM since girls older than her in the village have already been circumcised.

"It was our turn this year and we decided to undergo the rite early before December since the circumciser has a tight schedule and is always busy," she said.

The class four girl said she was not taught even by her teachers that FGM is illegal.

Ortum Girls Primary School head teacher Monica Nekesa said girls increasingly are dropping out of school.

"Teachers should help fight FGM by following the girls to their homes to identify the reason they are not in school," she said.

• Kenya