𝐁𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐦𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬.
As the Bungoma communities prepare for their traditional circumcision ceremonies beginning this August, extensive arrangements are being made to ensure a smooth and significant event.
Led by Bukusu cultural elder Richard Walukano, over 800 traditional circumcisers from the Bukusu, Tachoni, Batura, and Sabaot communities across Bungoma County have gathered at the Sang’alo Cultural Center in anticipation of the ceremonies set to commence on August 1, 2024.
Addressing the circumcisers, Carol Makali, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Acting CECM for Gender, Culture, Youth, and Sports, urged the practitioners to maintain high hygiene standards by using one knife per child to prevent the transmission of diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
She stressed the importance of balancing cultural preservation with the safety and well-being of the initiates.
Makali highlighted the necessity for circumcisers to be well-trained in both traditional practices and modern health standards to reduce risks and promote public health.
She underscored the importance of accessing medical assistance if complications arise during the circumcision process.
“We are establishing emergency units in our sub-county hospitals specifically to handle such situations, ensuring timely medical assistance.
Our ministry has a team of doctors and other healthcare professionals ready to manage these cases,” she stated.
With a focus on maintaining peace and order, CECM for Public Administration and Management, Eng. Agness Wachiye, called on sub-county administrators, ward administrators, village administrators, and enforcement officers to work closely with local authorities to ensure a secure environment for all participants.
Wachiye stressed the importance of maintaining peace and order during the ceremonies, urging participants not to block motorists on busy roads or damage property.
The circumcision ceremonies are not only a time-honored tradition but also a testament to the resilience and unity of the local communities, showcasing their dedication to preserving cultural heritage in a modern world.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to uphold cultural traditions while integrating essential health precautions.
The Bukusu circumcision ceremony, a significant cultural event among the Bukusu community in Kenya, traditionally occurs every even year.
This ceremony marks a rite of passage for young boys transitioning into manhood, involving various rituals and cultural practices deeply rooted in Bukusu tradition.
During these ceremonies, boys undergo circumcision as a symbolic initiation into adulthood, accompanied by teachings on responsibilities, ethics, and cultural heritage. The event also serves as a communal gathering, where elders impart wisdom and guidance to the initiates, emphasizing the importance of community values and respect for tradition.
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