CHANGING TRENDS IN MALE INITIATION RITE OF CIRCUMCISION AMONG THE AMERU OF IMENTI SOUTH SUBCOUNTY (1950-2016)

Abstract

Male initiation rite of circumcision has been a subject of discussion but the truth has been concealed because it was often presented as an unpenetratable topic by the Ameru because of the secrecy of the rite. The Bukusu, the Maasai, the Pokot, the Agikuyu and the Ameru have over the years carried out the rite traditionally. Changes in male initiation rite of circumcision from traditional to modern among the Ameru of Imenti South Sub County began way back before 1950s. The changing trend has left the Meru people of Imenti South Sub County in a dilemma on the ideal form of male initiation rite of circumcision. This study investigated the changing trends from traditional to modern in male initiation rite of circumcision among the Ameru of Imenti South Sub County between 1950 and 2016. The objectives of the study were to examine the changes in male circumcision practices, to establish the causes of the changes and the effects arising from changes in male initiation rite of circumcision among the Ameru of Imenti South Sub County. The significance of this study is that it contributes to social historiography of the Ameru of Imenti South Sub County. The study covers the period between 1950 and 2016, the peak of colonial domination and the climax of changes respectively. Literature presented is on male initiation among the Ameru, changes in male initiation rite, causes of changes and effects arising from the changes. The study was guided by Modernization Theory in exploring avenues of transition of male initiation rite of circumcision from traditional to modern. Descriptive research design was used. The location of the study was Imenti South Sub County of Meru County. The target population was 61,091 from three divisions in the Sub County namely Nkuene, Abogeta and Igoji. Simple random sampling method was used in this study. Research instruments used were interview schedules, focus group discussions and observation. Data was collected from oral, secondary and archival sources. Data from oral sources was corroborated with data from archival and secondary sources to ensure validity and reliability of the study. Qualitative data was analyzed using descriptive narratives while quantitative data got was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages and tables. Data got through observation was presented in pictorial form. This study established that changes in male circumcision can be traced from the time of colonialism. The major findings of this research were that traditional practice involved use of same knife on the initiates; the people were superstitious and that interaction between the indigenous people, colonialists and missionaries as early made the Ameru to embrace modern male circumcision. Changes were noted in the education offered, tools used, seclusion, commercialization of circumcision and method of circumcision. Changes were facilitated by urbanization, formal schooling, health facilities and colonization all of which were intended to Christianize the operations. The factors leading to change included Christianity, western formal education, individualism, high cost of living, health concerns, advocacy and urbanization. It was established that effects of changes included but not limited to social disorder, rivalry among groups, HIV protection and bad neighborliness. The study established drastic changes in male initiation rite of circumcision such as involvement of women and documentation of the process. The effects of changes are being dealt with by the government, the church and the civil society through advocacy and blending of traditional and modern aspects of male rite of circumcision. This study will bridge the knowledge gap on male initiation among the Ameru of Imenti South Sub County and provide empirical data that can be of use to other scholars carrying out related studies.