CHANGING TRENDS IN MALE CIRCUMCISION RITE AMONG THE AMERU OF IMENTI SOUTH, KENYA (1939 - 2016)

Abstract

Male circumcision rite of initiation has been discussed, but the reality of the Ameru's practice has not been sufficiently presented. Due to the secrecy surrounding the procedure, researchers had frequently stated that it was impossible to understand circumcision among the Ameru. Over the years, the rite has been performed in a customary manner by the Bukusu, Maasai, Pokot, Agikuyu, and the Ameru. In the 1950s, the Ameru community in Imenti South Sub-County embarked on the modernization of their ancient male initiation rite of circumcision. To accurately capture the customary circumcision ritual, the study spanned from 1939 to 2016, and the findings have been classified and presented in two distinct periods: 1939 to 1950 and 1950 to 2016. The primary objective of periodization was to document the traditional rite of passage among Ameru males, observe shifting trends, and explore the implications of transitioning from the traditional to the modern approach in male circumcision. The study specifically focused on Ameru participants residing in Imenti South Sub-County, where the target population consisted of 61,091 men across three divisions. To ensure a representative sample, 50 respondents were selected using random sampling procedure. The research employed various research instruments such as focus groups, observation, and interview schedules. Data collection involved utilizing secondary sources, archival records, and oral accounts. The validity and reliability of the study was maintained by cross-referencing data from oral sources with information obtained from archival and secondary sources. Frequency tables were used to depict quantitative data after it had been analysed using frequencies and percentages. The Modernization Theory (MT) served as the foundation for the investigation. The goal of modernization theory was to explain how societies can evolve and advance by gradually shifting from "traditional" to "modern" social structures. The study finding was that the era of colonization, spread of Christianity, schooling and urbanization was responsible for alterations in male circumcision for example waning of the concept of "one knife, one blood, and one field". In addition, the type of instruction provided, the resources used, seclusion, the method of circumcision, and the commercialization of circumcision have all changed since civilizations are dynamic. The study recommended that the government's cultural ministries regularly educate the general public through advocacy and seminars in order to embrace a change in attitude towards circumcision to easily embrace the choice other community members make. It also recommended the need to build synergy between traditional and modern circumcision through inclusion of culturaly accepted initiation practices into the modern practice. This is crucial for encouraging peaceful cohabitation amongst the followers of the two events. The study suggested further research on impact of changes in circumcision on the future of African cultural values and the need of an indepth look on the feasibility of blending worthwhile aspects of traditional circumcision into modern circumcision.