By Roselyne Obala and Grace Wekesa
A plan by three Kenyan ministers to grace a circumcision ceremony in Uganda is causing ripples among luhya elders.
Cabinet Ministers Moses Wetangula (Trade), Eugene Wamalwa (Justice) and lands assistant minister Bifwoli Wakoli are making arrangements to have the exercise launched in Bugisu County in Uganda.
The move has generated heat between the elders and the politicians, with the leaders who questioning the motive.
Luhya Council of Elders Chairman Patrick Wangamati dismissed the arrangements by the politicians distancing themselves with the event.
“The ceremony is ongoing among the Bukusu community, it beats logical to attend the exercise in a neighbouring country when our leaders can do the same here,” stated Mr Wangamati.
He reiterated that these being a male circumcision period marked every even year among the Luhya Community, the function should be held in Kenya.
The chairman argued that the residents should be given that opportunity to hold the ceremony, which has attracted high profile personalities from the Government.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that President Mwai Kibaki, Heritage minister William Ole Ntimama among others have shown interest to attend the function.
The elders faulted the three for failing to organise the ceremony within the community that practices the same other than to lead a delegation to neighbouring Uganda.
He said as elders, they don’t understand the interest of Wetangula, Wamalwa and Wakoli in the neighboring country, noting that the circumcision ceremony is more superior in the region.
“We see no reason why they should carry a lot of people to Uganda for the same, “ he added.
Wangamati urged locals to boycott the payment of Sh 2000 as bus fare.
He said they have constituted a committee led by the culture officer Florence Lukosi and dismissed other ghost umbrella bodies purported to be Bukusu Elders to collect the money.
Former minister Burudi Nabwera argued that it is time the Ministry of Culture and National heritage promoted the country’s own, adding that not doing so have led to emulation of foreign traditions.
Nabwera said the trends have negatively impacted negatively on the Luhya community’s traditions.
The council of elders, however, challenged the community to embrace their own culture, stressing that circumcision is meant to mark an important transition in a luhya boy child between 12 to 16 years life.
The initiates are arranged in age sets where they are told the secrets of the family and the community at large.
At these stage values which includes respect for the adults and family life is taught to the initiates to grow up responsible members and citizens, an initiate becomes a mature person with responsibility to make sound decision.
