Written by Eric Lumbasi 2012-07-29 18:11:00 Read 528 Times

A section of the circumcisers who are all ready for the circumcision season in Kimilili. [PHOTO|Eric Lumbasi|West Fm]

All set in Kimilili District of Bungoma County as the circumcision season is set to kick off officially in August among the Bukusu sub tribe of the larger Luhyia community.

In a traditional ceremony dubbed 'khuvita' held at a home of a veteran traditional circumciser Ernest Masibo in Stabicha village, 40 others converged to be officiall bestowed with last blessings and be handed their tools of job which are a knife 'lukembe' and dust 'lipukhulu' before embarking on the job officially.

Speaking to West fm during the ceremony, the group’s general secretary Dennis Sangura Murongoro (pictured above left) said that all was set for the task ahead.

He pointed out that all the circumcisers had undergone a series of medical tests before they were cleared to carry out the task.

They were tested for HIV as well as given lessons on maintaining proper hygiene so as to reduce the risk of contracting other diseases.

Also he reitareted that the Kimilili circumcisers will all wear uniforms for proper identification.

He pointed out that they are charging a flat rate fee of Ksh300 per initiate but further said that other exclusive cases may be accompanied by a hen.

Identified Orphans will be circumcised free of charge. This year marks the first lot of the Bakikwameti age set and will go on for the next six even years after the Bakolongolo ended the previous even year.

'' I call upon the parents to let their children decide where they want to be circumcised since we in traditional practice are on the same level with the doctors,'' said Sangura.

However he urged other tribes who do not practice circumcision to embrace the culture as it goes a long way to reduce the chances of contracting HIV.

He called upon the government to give them ample time during this period and let them fulfill the needs of their culture.

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