The County Government of Bungoma has today set the ball rolling for the much-anticipated August Bukusu circumcision season by holding a cultural day at Sang’alo Centre. Themed “Celebrating our cultural diversity”, the event seeks to appreciate the region’s diverse cultural attributes.
Chief Guest Ken Lusaka, who is also the Bungoma County Governor, observed that “mkosa mila ni mtumwa”.
“Today, we are celebrating the rich cultures of our people. The value in our culture spans across every aspect of living. It’s unfortunate that life expectancy has declined with the shift to more processed foods leading to diet related ailments. Let us go back to our traditional foods like cassava for healthier lives” said Mr Lusaka.
The Governor observed that the county will be holding the event every year in August.
The celebrations come barely two weeks before the beginning of the traditional circumcision ceremony, which usually attracts tourists from across the globe.
“In preservation of and to celebrate our culture, my Government has set aside Ksh3 million for cultural events. The exhibitions will continue in the months to follow culminating into a major cultural festival at the end of the year,” said the Governor.
On the 6th August, the Bakisu community, whose culture closely resembles that of the Bukusu, will also be holding a circumcision ceremony, known as Imbalu, in Mbale, Uganda. Presidents Yoweri Museveni and Uhuru Kenyatta are expected to grace the event.
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