Elders reject ministers' trip for Uganda Luhya ceremony
THE Luhya council of elders has distanced itself from a plan by three ministers to grace a circumcision ceremony in Uganda. Council chairman Patrick Wangamati dismissed the move by cabinet ministers Trade minister Moses Wetangula Justice minister Eugene Wamalwa and Lands Assistant Minister Bifwoli Wakoli to launch the ceremony in Bugisu county of Uganda.
“A circumcision ceremony is going on among the Bukusu community now and there is no logic in attending a similar exercise in Uganda, when they can attend the same here,” said Wangamati. The chairman said this was the second time MPs were gracing a circumcision ceremony in Uganda. "Let the President and other Kenyan leaders be invited in Bungoma, Kitale or Kakamega to promote our own culture,” said Wangamati.
Three weeks ago, the three politicians travelled to Uganda in aid of families that were victims of a mudslide and while there, announced their unity for the presidency was on course. Male circumcision is a traditional practice performed by the Luhya community every even year. The initiates are arranged in age sets groups and during this time they are taught about the community's cultural values.
Wangamati asked the locals not pay Sh2,000 which was being asked by the organisers of the Ugandan trip. “We see no reason why they should carry people to Uganda," “ he said. The elders faulted the three for failing to organise a similar ceremony at home, instead of going to Uganda. Former minister Burudi Nabwera, a member of the council said the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage should promote Kenya's own cultural ceremonies.
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