The Tiriki community in Vihiga and parts of Nandi county braved the Covid-19 situation to circumcise more than 8,700 boys.
They have been initiated into manhood in line with the community’s cultural practices and traditions. The Tiriki highly regards circumcision as a rite of passage, which takes place every five years.
The ritual usually takes place from August to December but because of Covid-19, it could not start in August.
“The community elders then gave a go-ahead to have the initiation take place as from October. We are now in the process of having the boys graduate in stages as per the day they were circumcised,” elders' chairman Patrick Azangu said.
He said the initiation went well under strict compliance with Covid-19 protocols. The initiates live in secluded and sacred areas within forests for about one month before graduating. Azangu said they had been placed under protection to ensure they do not contract Covid-19. No stranger is allowed to the sites.
The current age set known as Kaplelach has started passing out depending on when they were taken in for the cultural event. The last batch from Muhudu area is expected to pass out on November 28.
During seclusion, the boys are taught many things, including cultural practices of the community and general matters of life and manhood. Elders and select people take them through the training.
Occasionally, they go out in the evening clad in traditional regalia to dance and celebrate in open fields and along the roads ahead of their graduation.
There have been celebrations in the region to mark the graduation. The community also took advantage of the government's decision to suspend full reopening of schools to January next year to conduct the circumcision.
“I am happy my son Reagan will graduate after going through the rite of passage. We thank God for everything, including keeping the young ones safe during this period,” Jeremy Shabati, a resident, said.
Azangu said the Muhudu initiates will attend prayers in Lulalu grounds and asked all those who will be present to ensure they have masks and sanitise as part of Covid-19 control measures.