By Roselyne Obala Bungoma County
Communities in Western Province have started to circumcise boys.
The traditional male circumcision season kicked off on Thursday in various parts of Bungoma County, marking the beginning of a month-long exercise for the Bukusu community, who are famous for holding elaborate traditional circumcision ceremonies for boys. There was pomp and colour as young boys paraded along the road as they headed to the function.
However, as the annual ceremony begins, organisers and locals have been put on notice not to incite different communities in Western region through songs.
“Those singing songs, which incite communities against each other will not be spared,” warned Women Rural Peace Link chairperson Rosemary Mutenyo.
Mutenyo urged communities like the Bukusu, Teso and Sabaot to live harmoniously.
Promote hate
She added that they are working closely with National Cohesion and Integration Commission to ensure the exercise goes on smoothly.
“The circumcisers, locals and participants found singing songs, which are abusive or promote hate will face the law,” she stated.
She was speaking during a sensitisation workshop in the county, which brought together representatives from various communities, youth groups, elders and community-based organisations.
She stated that as the traditional exercise begins, the songs should promote peaceful coexistence.
“This is a crucial time and as tradition demands, we want the songs to foster peace,” she noted.
WRLP said they are working closely with representatives from the communities, provincial administration, and women and youth groups on ways to identify unsavoury songs.
“By partnering with the stakeholders will be able to apprehend the culprits,” she said.
The organisation funded by Action Aid also appealed to parents not to associate with people who might bring them problems at the end of the exercise.
The Sabaot community will circumcises their boys who have come of age in December.
Male circumcision also takes place in Kakamega and Vihiga counties.
