Elgeyo Marakwet: Five boys die of circumcision complications, 28 others hospitalised

Five boys have died and 28 others are currently admitted to several hospitals in Elgeyo Marakwet following a botched circumcision drive.

According to the county’s Health CEC Michael Kibiwot, the 28 were rushed to hospital with various symptoms including bacterial infections while others even showed signs of Pneumonia.

Mr. Kibiwott said that out of the 28 boys who are admitted, one is said to have been transferred to the Intensive Care Unit.

"We have admitted 28 initiates who recently underwent the right of passage, and circumcision and have come into our hospitals with severe Pneumonia, Septicemia among others," he said.

"It is sad that so far we have lost five and as we speak we have one patient in the ICU."

The CEC condemned the exercise attributing the horror to the environment where the circumcisions took place, as he urged parents to instead take their boys to hospitals for the exercise.

Director of Health Services Dr. Issac Kipyegon on his part blamed the area residents for ignoring health measures while undertaking the initiation exercise.

“The procedure itself is supposed to be a safe procedure but because of the conditions surrounding it and the care, it has exposed the initiates into these conditions,” Kipyegon said.

"Our appeal and desire as health workers is that once we can identify these cases we will have prompt referrals to facilities and they will get the necessary care."