Act now to end needless deaths of boys after circumcision

Abakobero sub clan in Lurambi young initiates who were circumcised during term two August holidays were captured in Kakamega town after healing. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

It is disheartening that six boys lost their lives in Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gishu counties while 28 others were hospitalised following complications arising from circumcision. According to reports, the victims were undergoing healing after going through the rite of passage when they fell ill from what is was suspected to be infection of the wounds. Other are said to have been tortured by their minders.

This case lifted the lid on the rising cases of circumcision gone sour in the country. Early this month, another newly circumcised 15-year-old boy was hospitalised in Naivasha after he went through three days of sadistic torture with hot wires and water by fellow teenagers in what was described as ‘initiation ceremony’ to harden him.

Also, in March this year, another 15-year-old was tortured in Nyondia village Naivasha and left for the dead by a group of youths, who also claimed to have been ‘hardening him up’ after a circumcision ceremony. This torture left him partially paralysed.

These cases depict a worrying trend that calls for attention to be focused on this important cultural practice that marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. According to the Centre for Disease Control, male circumcision decreases the risk of acquiring HIV through heterosexual intercourse by 50 to 60 per cent. At a time when the country is grappling with an increase in HIV cases, the importance of the practice cannot be understated.

However, it’s important to ensure that circumcision is carried out healthily to enhance the safety of boys.

First, the practice should be done in a manner that upholds human rights and therefore acts of torture on the circumcised individuals in the name of ‘hardening them’ should highly be discouraged. Those found torturing the initiates should be severely punished to serve as a lesson to others with similar wicked minds.

Secondly, there is an urgent need to educate the society on the importance of having circumcision undertaken by qualified medical workers. This will enhance safety of our boys and ensure there is adherence to hygienic standards and care to prevent the circumcised individuals from contracting infections. In addition, the practice should be done based on individual consent. It should be free from coercion.

Thirdly, the government should enact proper laws and regulations that govern the delivery of circumcision services to ensure they are accessible, affordable and devoid of discrimination to encourage more people to embrace medical circumcision which is safer.

Fourthly, it’s high time we stop practicing circumcision in unsafe environments such as in bushes to ensure quick access to medical assistance in case of emergencies. In addition, communities that choose non-medical circumcision should ensure they engage experienced circumcisers to ensure safety and quality of services.

Fifthly, the government in conjunction with the Ministry of Health should ensure that all health centres have enough equipment to cater for emergency cases arising from circumcision. Finally, there should be constant government monitoring of the circumcised boys to ensure the right health and safety standards are adhered to.

Sharon Namarome, NAYA Youth Advocate