Luhya traditional circumcision

Speak with authority on Bukusu traditional circumcision ceremony like a true son or daughter of the soil: Who is omusinde? What is sisingilo? And other important vocabulary

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poster with dark yellow background and words the traditional Bukusu circumcision ceremony - everything you'll ever need to know

Were you circumcised in the traditional way? This is a common, albeit rude, question that Gents face whenever they identify themselves as Bukusu. So popular is the Bukusu traditional circumcision ceremony that it is sure to dominate conversations. If for one reason or another your knowledge on your peoples ways isn’t up to scratch, that’s … Read more

Meet khutiukha: the elaborate Bukusu sex education ceremony that made us quality women and made men of honor of omufulu (fresh initiates)

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Grey scale poster with the words khutiukha, an elaborate bukusu sex education ceremony

My first formal sex education lesson occurred after one of my cousins had been circumcised when I participated in a ceremony called khutiukha. The Bukusu, my people, are not shamed by sex. Sex education for us begins early. But it doesn’t happen in the drab fashion of today: formal classrooms with uneasy teachers doling out … Read more

Down khuminya memory lane: Reliving naughty childhood adventures escorting basinde through the village whilst singing circumcision songs

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poster titled khuminya with image of peeled banana

We learn all that pertains khuminya; a rite that’s central to Luhya traditional circumcision ceremony through the lens of my childhood adventures. Back when we were growing up, life in the village was sweet to the bone. Especially come every August of even years. The arrival of this special 8th month ushered the circumcision year … Read more

Luhya Rites: When a Traditional Circumciser Dies

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poster eulogising Ngori the great Maragoli traditional circumcisor

Given its esteem as a corner of the world replete with cultural treasures little wonder then that, justifiably curious, we watched on when the logooli nation of mulembe nation mourned its fallen son mkevi Ngori. Ngori was a respected traditional circumciser who was the last kind. I had expected a much larger crowd. But, amwavo this … Read more