MP Peter Kaluma calls for end to male circumcision, faces backlash from leaders, Kenyans

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma addresses the media at Red Cross Media Centre, Nairobi on January 21, 2025. [Elvis Ogina,Standard] Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has stirred controversy after calling for an end to male circumcision, arguing that the practice is unnecessary and harmful. His remarks, made in a series of posts on X, have drawn sharp reactions from leaders and the public. Kaluma dismissed circumcision as "male genital mutilation" and questioned why human beings continue with the practice when animals do not. "Donkeys don't circumcise. All animals don't circumcise except a few human beings who have been lied to that they are grandchildren of Abraham, a man who lived in the desert without water!" he wrote. He went further to link circumcision to social issues, claiming that communities that practice it also struggle with high cases of female genital mutilation (FGM), teenage pregnancies, and early marriages. "Why should men from communities that practice female genital mutilation chop their daughters' genitals then flock to ladies from communities that don't practice it, if FGM is good?" he posed. Kaluma also made a controversial claim that circumcision is practised by only "10% of small, weak, and dirty men," calling for its complete abolishment. "Let us stop all forms of genital mutilation in Kenya and keep our young people from these social vices," he added. His statements have sparked backlash from leaders and Kenyans online, with many challenging his views. Former presidential running mate Justina Wamae strongly opposed his stance, saying, "I will lead the women to contest against your views." Several X users criticised his comparison of circumcision to animal behaviour. One user, Emmanuel, dismissed his reasoning, stating, "It's like saying that brushing teeth has no medical benefits because animals don't brush their teeth. Are you sane?" Another user, Nabas Mitei, pointed out the health risks faced by uncircumcised men. "Uncircumcised men are more prone to infections like balanitis due to smegma buildup, which is harder to manage without consistent water access," he said. "In contrast, animals like donkeys don't circumcise because they lack the cognitive ability to perform surgery or the need to address human-specific health risks." Narok Senator Ledama Olekina also weighed in, firmly defending the tradition. "There's something in Maasai we call nchopirik... please ask me later what it is, we must circumcise!" he stated. John Wasonga, another X user, challenged Kaluma's views by citing medical evidence. "Male circumcision has demonstrated health benefits, ranging from reduced penile cancer to lower incidence of cervical cancer among female partners and reduced HIV acquisition," he argued. "As MP from Homa Bay-the county with leading HIV infections in Kenya-yours is an irresponsible post." Another user, Ronny, dismissed Kaluma's remarks as irrelevant. "In as much as this is out of order, it is also irrelevant to be talking about a rite of passage when we have important issues to deal with." Others defended circumcision as a long-held cultural practice. "Circumcision is like marriage-both are spiritual choices. No one forces you into either, but the world won't treat you fairly if you opt out," said Duncan Murage. Another X user added, "We had male circumcision before Europeans brought their religion. It's a tradition in several African communities. However, not being circumcised should not be stigmatized. The rite of passage is what is important." Medical experts have long supported male circumcision for its health benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, circumcision can improve hygiene by making it easier to wash the penis. It is also linked to a lower risk of urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, and penile problems such as phimosis, a condition where the foreskin is difficult to retract. Additionally, studies suggest that circumcision reduces the risk of penile cancer and lowers the chances of cervical cancer in female partners.

MP Peter Kaluma calls for end to male circumcision, faces backlash from leaders, Kenyans

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MP Peter Kaluma calls for end to male circumcision, faces backlash from leaders, Kenyans

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