The larger Tachoni community that comprises of 36 clans over the last weekend held a cultural ceremony famously known as SANGAYA where the young boys who were circumcised during the month of August passed from childhood to adulthood.
The 36 Tachoni clans in alphabetical orders include; Avaavichwa, Avachewa, Avachikha, Avachimulugu, Avachivino, Avaengele, Avakafusi, Avakamkong, Avakamtepi, Avakisiai, Avakubwai, Avakuusi, Avalugulu, Avaluu, Avamakhanga, Avamakhuli, Avamalicha, Avamarakalu, Avameywa, Avamua, Avamurundi, Avamweya, Avangachi, Avanyangali, Avarefu, Avasamba, Avasamo, Avasang’alo, Avasaniaka, Avasioya, Avasonge, Avatulu, Avavichu, Avaviya, Avawande and finally Avayumbu.
The ceremony that happens every even year after August circumcision, involves singing chosen songs, different from those sang during circumcision period. Songs such as Cheptalan’gi (Cheptalel), Peywa, Sangaya among other songs.
In preparation for the ceremony, each parent who circumcised a child must contribute a certain amount of money decided by the elders, a given and decided quantity of maize for traditional beer (busaa) and at least a minimum of two hens from each parent. The function happens in a home where certain Tachoni rituals have been carried out. In Tachoni it’s called OKHUKHOA INYUNGU. These are homes where certain unmentioned rituals were done in preparation for SANGAYA come the month of December.
Early morning of Sangaya tradition day, the young boys are prepared by their leader who will guide them through the whole traditional process to take breakfast before they can embark on a journey to the sacred river (Esitavicha). While in the sacred river (Musitavicha) the undisclosed rituals are done by elders (Avaviti). The rituals are generally prayers to God to bless the boys to succeed in their future endeavors. The elders also pray for the leaders of the nation, pray for the land to produce more food and ask God to break bad omen that might befall the land.
While on the way to the sacred river (Musitavicha) and back home, the boys are keenly watched to make sure no one falls down while walking or running as that signifies a bad omen on the victim involved. The time is also key during this ceremony. The elders are keen to ensure the rain doesn’t start while the boys are still in the sacred river (Musitavicha).
Leaders from Tachoni land have been urged to use their powers to engage the government through the Ministry of Culture to help buy land that covers the sacred river which at the moment is being rented for the ceremony.
Webuye East Member of Parliament Martin Wanyonyi has been on the forefront in embracing the culture of circumcision and Sangaya where he personally participates in the dance and financial uplift of families. The residents of Webuye East believe that through him the culture will get a boost from the government buy buying the sacred river land.
However, some people from the Tachoni community are shunning away from the culture with the reason that it’s financially costly.
Speaking on West Media, Evans Murumba who recently contested as the running of Bungoma County Second Governor Wycliffe Wangamati and lost to Governor Kenneth Lusaka said that Sangaya culture is important and encouraged the Tachoni community to embrace it. He said himself alongside his siblings went through the culture and they are successful in their life different from a section of individuals who believe the culture involves some kind of witchcraft. Murumba encouraged the community to support the current leadership in Webuye East and across the County.
