The County Government of Uasin Gishu has raised a red flag following increased cases of sickness among initiates after circumcision.
Uasin Gishu News understands that cases of sickness among the initiates have been on the rise since November 2023.
The sickness is believed to be related to complications arising from circumcision. Further, at least three deaths have also been reported in some shrines housing the initiates.
Five others are admitted at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, one of whom is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Causes of initiates’ deaths, illness
A report dated December 6, 2023, seen by Uasin Gishu News indicates that two of the deaths were reported in Ngeria Ward within Kiambaa and Nairiri areas while the other was Lemook and Dam area – all within Kapseret Sub-County.
Among the causes of the deaths and sicknesses of the initiates listed by Health officials who visited the shrines include general beatings and harsh conditions, poor hygienic condition, septic wounds, un-treated water, poor handling of food leading to infections as well as hardcore and drunken caretakers.
Use of unqualified/quacks circumcisers and unchangeable initiation traditional practices.
County takes action on the matter
Following the latest development, the County’s Health Services Department it has directed officials to visit all shrines and seclusions.
According to a letter from the Chief Officer Clinical Services Dr Joyce Sang, the exercise is set to begin this Friday, December 8, 2023.
“You are required to embark on this exercise on 8th December 2023 and report submitted to Laban Kiprop before close of business 11th December 2023,” read part of the letter signed by Dr Sang and copied to Health Services County Executive Committee Member Abraham Serem and Promotive and Preventive Chief Officer Dr Paul Wangwe.
Sub-County Health Coordinators, Ward Public Health Officers, Sub-County Clinical Officers and Sub-County Public Health Nurse are expected to undertake the exercise.
The exercise will include among others mapping and visit of all shrines/seclusions for the initiates, assessing hygiene and sanitation status of the shrines as well as document any deaths reported in the areas visited.
“It has come to my attention that in the months of November and December, several initiates have fallen sick after circumcision as a result of complication arising from the circumcision,” said Dr Sang in the letter dated December 6, 2023.
“Further, it is saddening that several deaths have been recorded across the county over the same,” she added
The Kalenjin Community who are the majority in Uasin Gishu have been conducting the initiation since the schools closes late in October.
Most of the initiates are being prepared for graduation as early as during the upcoming Jamhuri Day celebrations.
[…] 3 Initiates Die in Uasin Gishu, County Takes Action […]