Tragic results of a botched circumcision

By Otieno Alfred Ogweno

It was a beautiful mid-December day. All roads led to Cheborge village where everything was ready for the big occasion.

The ceremony was all that could be expected of a society affair. The guests, all feeling privileged to have received their gold embossed invitation cards, exchanged niceties, their faces glowing with pride.

The moment all had been waiting for came. Kipketer, the chief’s son, arrived with four of his peers. They were led in by community elder Rono who was to preside over the occasion. Their arrival was announced by loud ululations. The guests rallied around Kipketer and their entourage of elders and attendants.

They all stood at a central place where they could witness their initiation into adulthood. The elder officially commenced the ceremony by cutting off Kipketer’s foreskin with a razor-sharp knife. Women ululated and danced after all five boys had been initiated into adulthood.

After a month in the forest, Kipketer and his friends came back to the village. After a few years, Kipketer married a beautiful woman. Sadly, the marriage didn’t last. Unknown to Kipketer, the circumciser had cut him badly and he developed what is known as sexual dysfunction. Out of bitterness and frustration he killed his wife one night and committed suicide. He never told anyone about his condition.

If he had seen a doctor or a counsellor, he would have been helped and the senseless deaths would not have occurred.

Circumcision, especially one performed by a traditional circumciser, could go wrong. This could lead to complications including discomfort, psychological trauma and sexual dysfunction.

— The writer is the Prime Minister,

Children Children’s Parliament