In what has been a peculiar year in terms of cultural practices due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Tachoni elders have insisted the community’s passing out ceremony for circumcision initiates will go ahead in December. Led by their chairman Mr Patrick Sitati Lichuma, they said that they are aware of the pandemic but have pledged to keep all Ministry of Health safety protocols.
The ‘Echingalale’ ceremony sees initiates taken through life skills tips and the community’s dos and donts, with advice to mind their education pursuits and respect to elders. As opposed to other years, the ceremony this year will only take two days due to Covid-19.
The ceremony according to mzee Stephen Mutoro is accompanied by local brew which is important during such time for merry making and for appeasing the spirits while pleading for blessings for the initiates and also their farms. Ibrahim Sikara requested those who will partake in the process to uphold discipline of the highest level and to stop harassing non Tachonis. He asked the government to provide security where necessary and urged the County government to support their culture.
