This archive report was first published on 5 August 2020.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to spread in Kenya, mass circumcision ceremonies in central Kenya have been postponed this year.
According to reports, over 500,000 boys were set to undergo the traditional rite of passage in December, but the Kikuyu Council of Elders has announced that the ceremony will be postponed to 2021.
"Due to the Covid-19 pandemic elders have discussed and decided that this year's circumcision be postponed to 2021. Let us be understanding," said Kikuyu Council of Elders national chair Wachira wa Kiago.
The postponement of the ritual comes as a blow to the elders who have been working to pass down cultural teachings to the next generation.
Other groups, including the Methodist Church in Kenya and the Kiama Kia Ma cultural elders' group, have also announced that they will not be conducting the ritual this year.
"Unless the situation changes all the ceremonies stand suspended. Parents who wish to take their boys for circumcision will do it at their own risk," said Mr Joseph Ikiara, MCK Men Fellowship chairman at the synod.
The postponement of the ritual is likely to have a significant impact on the boys who were set to undergo the ceremony, as it is an important rite of passage in many Kenyan cultures.
