Why missing circumcision makes one an outcast in Bukusu

A boy being circumcised in Kimaeti area of Bumula sub-county during the first day of the passage of rites among the Bukusu community. 200 boys were circumcised Saturday in Bungoma county. [PHOTO: TITUS OTEBA/ STANDARD]

BUNGOMA COUNTY: Although not part of the official list of circumcision candidates, Eldon Shikuku has “rigged” his way to honour in dramatic fashion, which has left his parents embarrassed but kinsmen proud.

The class six pupil at Machwele Primary School sneaked from home under the cover of darkness on Friday morning and plunged into the cold waters of River Machwele alongside other initiates. And before anybody knew what was happening or discovered who he was, he was standing erect in a queue with other initiates by the river and was quickly smeared with mud all over his body, as per tradition. At this point, somebody noticed he was a “stranger” who had not participated in other pre-circumcision rites, but it was too late to elbow him out.