A women’s group with members from Nairobi, Nakuru and Murang’a counties has condemned illegal gangs accused of forcing newly-circumcised boys to take oaths and join them.
According to them, young men are being initiated into criminal gangs during the circumcision period.
Margaret Muthoni, Chairperson of the Nyakinyua Women Group said circumcision is losing value and youths no longer understand its significance.
“The government must come in and arrest all those responsible. Children must be guided well and not mislead into thinking that circumcision is for joining criminal gangs,” she said.
She further urged community leaders to take action so that circumcision can continue as it did before and be respected.
The Nyakinyua Women Group also called on parents to be on the lookout whenever they release their boys for circumcision adding that some may be taking oaths unknowingly.
The sentiments follow an incident last week where a newly circumcised teenager died in Kandara, Murang’a County. Juliana Kanyonyo was found dead in his bedroom after being beaten for failing a ritual.
His death lifted the lid on the dark cloud of pain that has enveloped what was once regarded as an important initiation into manhood.
The following day, news broke that 16-year-old Jimmy Egururu, who had undergone the cut and was left in the hands of a caretaker in Kamirithu, Limuru, had been found dead in unclear circumstances.
The teenager’s body was found on his bed a day after the cut. The caretaker has since gone underground.
He was allegedly beaten to death by unknown men for failing an initiation ceremony.