Death trap as ten teens succumb to deadly cut

Traditional circumcision is considered a rite of passage by several communities in the North Rift where boys transition from childhood to adulthood.

But this cultural rite is turning out to be to be a death trap with more than ten initiates dying after undergoing the cut in the past two weeks in the region.

The deaths have been reported in Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties.
Just last week, five boys died in Elgeyo Marakwet county while 28 others are still admitted in various hospitals in the region in what medics’ attribute to negligence in management after the procedure.

According to Elgeyo Marakwet County Health Executive Michael Kibiwott, health facilities in the county have witnessed an upsurge in admissions of initiates across the county and even from neighbouring counties, with most of them suffering from severe pneumonia since the onset of the circumcision season.

Kibiwott said one of the initiates was admitted at the Iten County Referral Hospital in the Intensive Care Unit while one girl who underwent the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is also admitted after she suffered excessive bleeding.

“While the procedure of circumcision is not life-threatening, the conditions in which the initiates live in the seclusion camps, where they are exposed to cold, resulting in pneumonia attacks, and the aftercare following the procedure are what has led to the unnecessary loss of young lives,” said the medic.

He appealed to those taking care of them to ensure they live in hygienic conditions and refer them to the hospital immediately they fall ill.

Botched circumcision

In January this year, 16 boys were admitted at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Eldoret after developing complications while undergoing circumcision.

The initiates were from Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nandi counties. One of the victims was a 14-year-old boy from Tarakwa in Ainabkoi Sub-County in Uasin Gishu County who died followed a botched circumcision.

The teen who had just sat his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination was looking forward to joining a prestigious school after scoring 395 marks.

On the day of the initiation, he had joined his four cousins at his uncle’s home in Lelmokwo, Nandi County for the traditional rites.

Chest pains

But two days later, he started vomiting, lost appetite and appeared weak. His legs began to swell and he complained of chest pains before succumbing.

According to outgoing MTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr Wilson Aruasa, Septic Shock is a life-threatening condition that causes organ failure and dangerously low blood pressure.

Symptoms include pale and cool arms and legs, chills, difficulty breathing and decreased urine output.
“Mental confusion and disorientation may also develop quickly, there is need for infection prevention and control as well as primary healthcare during initiation in order to curb complications,” said Dr Aruasa.

He also emphasised the need to train surgeons on proper surgery, infection prevention and control general hygiene measures to help mitigate against complications.

The rampant deaths have sparked uproar in the region with leaders and elders now calling for a review of how the cultural right is carried out.

Kalenjin MYOOT Council of Elders led by its chairperson Major (Rtd) John Seii yesterday said elders from all the Kalenjin sub-tribes will soon hold a meeting in a bid find a lasting solution to the problem.

“We had a well-spelled out procedure on how to conduct the rite of passage as per our culture. It is sad to hear that some boys are in hospital after developing complications while in seclusion. We will not accept this to continue as elders,” said Seii.

Uasin Gishu deputy governor John Barorot also raised concern over the reported deaths of the initiates.

“It is about time that we actually evaluated and we will follow all our cultures. We want the elders to take the lead to help us how we can see that culture does not turn our children’s initiation into a death trap,” said Barorot.

“We understand that there is the modern circumcision and the traditional one. But as a county we want to ensure that we have an initiation of our children which is in tandem with modern times but again ensure that we do not lose vital lessons of culture to the youth,” added the DG.

Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Dr Eddyson Nyale on his part warned chiefs and village elders where deaths of initiates will be reported that stern action will be taken against for not showing leadership and guidance.