Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma recently brought up a topic about male circumcision sparking a lot of discussion across the country.

Kaluma, in a tweet, called for the end of the male circumcision, saying none of the animals undergo it but only a few human beings, who are guided by religion.

“Stop circumcision. Circumcision is male genital mutilation. Donkeys don’t circumcise. All animals don’t circumcise except a few human beings who have been lied to that they are grandchildren of Abraham, a man who lived in the desert without water!” he shared.

He added that issues such as teenage pregnancies, FGM and early marriages are common in communities that practice circumcision.

“Across the world, circumcision is practiced by barely 10% of small, weak and dirty men. Let us stop all forms of genital mutilation in Kenya and keep our young people from these social vices,” he said, attracting a lot of criticism with some saying that he was advocating for the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Others asked him to stop justifying his fear of the knife, while others argued over the effect that circumcision has when it comes to sexual intercourse.

Singer Suzanna Owiyo joined the discussion saying that women are in better position to explain the differences between a circumcised and uncircumcised man during intercourse.

“Let me put it simply— a hole is a hole. It does not recognise what has been cut and what hasn’t. Ask women because I know most of them have experienced both. What you do with this information is not my concern. It’s up to you,” she said.

Circumcision is however considered as a rite of passage in the life of a male human being. This cultural practice that dates back to at least 6,000 years BC, is a form of transition from childhood to adulthood in some communities.

Health organizations and health experts however advocate for the practice, because of its health benefits.

Benefits of Circumcision

According to the World Health Organization, it has been proved that male circumcision Protects against sexually transmitted diseases and urinary tract infections. Such diseases include; syphilis, chancroid, ina-sive penile cancer and other problems and even HIV.

Mayo Clinic also states that circumcision improves hygiene as it makes it easier to wash the penis.

Risks
Circumcision, if not done properly, can however turn out to be risky. In Kenya, there have been several cases of botched circumcisions. In December 2023, 15 boys from Uasin Gishu lost their lives after developing complications that resulted from circumcision.

In another incident that was reported in September 2014, a boy , who was aged 13 then, lost his penis while undergoing the rite of passage.

Common problems associated with circumcision however include swelling and bleeding. There might also be cases of infections if the wound is not taken care of well.

However there other serious complications that can occur and they include;

• Permanent reduction in sensation in the head of the penis, particularly during sex
tenderness around the scar

• Insufficient or excessive removal of the foreskin

There have also been myths that circumcision affects one’a ability to have children and affects sexual pleasure for men and their partners. Experts say that circumcision doesn’t affect one’s ability to have children in future . It also doesn’t improve or lessen sexual pleasure among men and women.