Boy Dies in a Botched Circumcission

A family in Tarakwa, Uasin Gishu County, is in mourning following the death of their 14-year-old son, who last week succumbed to an infection obtained from a botched circumcision on December 3

The teen, who had just completed his primary school leaving exam scoring 395 marks, was looking forward to joining a prestigious high school in the country.

On the day of the initiation, the boy had joined his four cousins at his uncle’s home in Lelmokwo, Nandi County for the traditional rites and the five were set for an elaborate graduation ceremony later in the month

But, two days later, he began vomiting, lost his appetite and appeared weak. His legs began to swell and he complained of chest pains and a bloated stomach. According to his father, Mr Gilbert Kirwa Maina, before the circumcision, his son appeared overjoyed and was looking forward to his graduation into manhood.

“Eighteen days after the initiation, and after an array of treatments, his condition worsened, forcing us to refer him for specialised treatment in an Eldoret hospital. Since he was in bad shape, he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after he was diagnosed with septic shock,” disclosed the father.

“He died three days later while still undergoing treatment. The other four initiates were healthy and graduated on December 28.”

Courtesy Baringo online.