Vivan's Community

I wrote an earlier blog entry about circumcision. It is extremely important event in the lives of most Kenyan boys as it is a symbol of entering adulthood and initiation into the tribe. Many of my girl students attended circumcision ceremonies during August. December is the other month of circumcision for adolescent boys.

Many boys are usually circumcised at one time. During the circumcision the boys are not allowed to cry out or flinch to show that they are truly men.

After the circumcision is done the boys rest and relax for a period of time. During this time they are taught the tribal history and traditions. The mothers of the boys cook a lot of food for their sons so the boys can gain strength. The boys don't do any chores that they normally would do until after the period of rest is over.

A couple of weeks ago my students interviewed a classmate. What follows in a composition based upon one of these interviews.

Vivian’s Community

Vivian is a very beautiful and intelligent girl. She comes from the Gusis community. She truly loves visiting there because she gets to see all the cultural practices, hear family members speaking their language and the way the community members conduct themselves.

Furthermore, she enjoys eating the traditional meals, buying food stuffs on her way back home at cheap prices, seeing the physical features around the area, feeding the fish at her grandmother’s place and above all to meet her long distance relatives and friends.

Her community’s village is located at Nuamira. Their ancestors had decided to settle there because of the fertile soil. They had also settled there because they once fought with the Kiporgis community many, many years ago. They had been pushed where they decided to settle down and make it their home. She truly loves the place.

In her community there are many elders. The elders are called “Thatha” and are respected very much. Their work is mainly to solve disputes in the community, circumcise, conduct marriages and give initiates new roles. The elders also bless newborn babies.

The community members also practice the rite of circumcision whereby boys are the ones circumcised. During the circumcision ceremony, the boys are taken to the river in the early morning hours. Then mud is applied on them before being circumcised. After the ceremony, the initiates are separated for about three or four weeks. After the separation time a big celebration is done. Presents are given to the initiates and they are given new roles in the community. Vivian loves and is very proud of her community together with her people.