By GRACE WEKESA
Politicians from western Kenya are under fire for ignoring the most important cultural rite in the region and instead trooping to attend similar events in neighbouring Uganda.
Elders of the Bukusu sub-tribe of the Luhya community are up in arms against what they describe as disregard for circumcision.
The circumcision season has kicked off in Western to coincide with the school holidays.
In the recent past, prominent Luhya politicians have been trooping across the border to witness such ceremonies conducted by their relatives, the Bugisu of Uganda.
Trade Minister Moses Wetangula, Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa and assistant minister Wakoli Bifwoli are said to be making arrangements to travel to Uganda to participate in the ceremonies.
Sources close to the ministers but who did not wish to be identified by name said the ministers have requested Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to attend the ceremonies.
“They have also requested Museveni to invite President Kibaki to Bududa in Uganda where the main ceremony will be held,” said one of the sources.
Abandoning own culture
Unconfirmed reports indicate that President Mwai Kibaki, Heritage minister William Ole Ntimama among others have indicated an interest in attending the function.
The preference for the Uganda ceremony is because the Bugisu are viewed as senior to the Bukusu in ancestry.
But Luhya elders are complaining that the habit by Kenyan leaders to travel to witness the Bugisu rite overshadows their own efforts.
