15 boys die during botched circumcision in Uasin Gishu
Many initiates who undergo circumcision in early December are expected to have healed and preparing to resume their studies when schools open.
However, a number of them are still nursing injuries occasioned by botched circumcision even as more than 15 boys from Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gishu Counties are said to have succumbed to complications related to circumcision.
This worrying trend has caused concern among the health practitioners and custodians of culture who want the circumcision process and the environment where it is performed to be reviewed.
At Burnt Forest Sub-County Hospital on the outskirts of Eldoret town, Fredrick Kipkoech Bett undergoes medication after complications that result while in seclusion. It is said one man punished him as a way of hardening him into a man.
” Normally they are trained on the culture and traditions of the Kalenjin people. When the child is released, he is a man who is ready for work,” Fredrick’s father, Emmanuel Bett said.
But the punishment seemed to have been so severe for Fredrick who had other underlying conditions. The father now wants to take action against the offender.
” After he was beaten, he got an infection that has spread to his kidneys. His doctor has written a report in which he said this is a police case,” Emmanuel said.
But even as Fredrick continues with his medication, 15 others are reported to have lost their lives in Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties with more than 50 having been admitted at various health facilities.
In Uasin Gishu County, a task force has been formed to look into the issue of botched circumcision and the possible interventions to make it safer for the initiates.
Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor John Barorot said, “It is sad that we have lost 10 boys during this circumcision rite and I believe it will culminate in coming up with the best ways of ensuring that our boys are circumcised in the right ways.”
His sentiments were echoed by the county’s Health CECM Abraham Serem who said, ” We will have a policy direction that will guide us into the circumcision rites.”
These alarming deaths have rattled Luhya and Kalenjin elders who are the custodians of these cultures.
Ramadhan Ali, a Luhya spokesman in Uasin Gishu said, “If children must be circumcised traditionally, then we as Luhya and Kalenjin elders should make sure we pick people who are qualified”
James Atsango, Luhya community chairman said children should not have to lose their lives because of traditions.
Retired Major John Seii, a Kalenjin Council Of Elders said, “If you lose a young man under seclusion in the olden days elders would be called to cleanse the place because death makes the place unclean. We have seen a lot of bad things in this season, ending December 2023. Come 2024, the elders will meet and give way forward. We will give instructions of who is supposed to take care of these young men and when we standardise that things are going to be okay.”
Health experts and elders have called on parents to give full disclosure of their children’s health conditions before going into seclusion shrines to avert such incidents ”
The task at hand now is how to ensure that culture is passed down to different generations but in a manner that does not jeopardize the initiates’ safety.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.