The Tachoni clan in Lugari Sub County held the pass out ceremony for the 244 initiates who were circumcised in the month of December this year.
The boys who were drawn from Lukhokho, Maturu, Mayoyo, Lunyito and Mautuma were taken to the sacred river (Esitabicha) inside Lugari forest where they went through various rituals (Okhulichana).
The initiates received advice from elders selected from specific dialects of the Tachoni clan who were apportioned to administer blessings to them (avaviti).
The 2020 initiates were given the “Kikwameti five” age set also nicknamed “Kikwameti Corona” for remembrance of the year the pandemic paralyzed the world.
Speaking during the event, leaders from the clan led by Nabii Nabwera requested the government to allow them ownership of their sacred place where they have been conducting their rituals inside the Lugari forest.
“For many years we have been holding our ceremony here, and we are appealing to the government to allow us to own it for the sake of our traditions,” said Nabii.
He however urged the youths to strictly adhere to the advice given to them by the elders for the better future.
Kakamega County Executive Committee Member (CEC) Kasim Were urged all communities living in the County to protect and promote their cultures thanking the Tachoni clan for sticking to its traditions.
He said culture was important for social and economic benefits whereby it will help boost the tourism sector thus generating income to the county.
On request by the clan, the CEC advised leaders from the clan to write a memorandum to his office promising to send his team on the ground to make a report which will be tabled before the county assembly and if endorsed they be given ownership of the requested piece of land in the Lugari forest for their cultural practices
