KNOW THE TACHONI CIRCUMCISION CUSTOMS


Circumcision is one of the rites of passage that no man from the Tachoni community can escape. Usually, the ceremony attracts masses of people as the ceremonies are historical, unique and identity of the community. The practice is during the month of August of every even year. That is 1998, 2000, 2002 and even this year. Tachoni boys face the East as they are 'cut' (circumcised) as their Bukusu counterparts face the West. When the boys are circumcised, they go hunting for birds in the forest especially the guinea fowl (likhanga).This gave the Tachoni the name ‘omwana wa likhanga’.The guinea fowl is then prepared for them latter in the evening. They are recommended for the initiates as they are rich in protein. Proteins are believed to replace the blood lost during circumcision. The delicious likhanga is accompanied with Ugali (Obusuma) that is rich in carbohydrates used to give energy to the initiates.
During this period, the boys are not allowed to wear pants so they tie lesos around their waist as they go on with their hunting in the forest. Their body is also smeared with special white clay from the river. They don’t wash their bodies for a period of one month as they are protected by the special clay. Their hair is also left unshaved for the whole period. For the one month, they neither shake hands nor sit around in the kitchen as it is believed to decelerate their healing process.

PHOTO: Godffrey Omusala (above) Bryson wanyama(below) faces the knife 


Further, the Abatachoni believe in ‘Okhulicha’ (the training of initiates in adult roles before they pass out as adults). The boys are taken to 'Esitabicha' where they are taught the Tachoni beliefs, philosophy, values, practices, culture and rituals of the community before they pass out as adult members of the community. Here, they are told secrets of the community which they are not supposed to reveal to anyone. All this is done by elderly members of the Tachoni community who should have themselves undergone the same ritual. The pass out is a ceremony held during December of every even year. After sangaya, (pass out celebrations) the initiates are now allowed to shave their hair, wear new cloths and interact freely with the other members of the community.
How well do you know your community, their traditions and rituals? Visit Ndivisi (the core of Tachoni community) over the August and December holidays to witness the culture. Other areas include Misimo, Lukusi, and Lutacho. Finally, always check on Samwana ;

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Comments

  1. Anonymous28 November 2016 at 11:55

    Wateka Samwana khu masomo kano. khavilekho chinyimbo chakhwimbanga nekhuca musilongo sibuyi, nekhucha msitabicha nende okhururayo, nevakhuramo likhoni indalo yo khuminya, wa khocha, nevakhaseva khulwanyi, nikhurura emuchela sibuyi sio khusevana, chinyimbo cha okhuminya chindachoni ne echindi cho omanyile.

    richard Iyaya Wa Variti

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