Othaya MP Urges Parents To Focus On Education Over Rite Of Passage
Othaya Member of Parliament Wambugu Wainaina (left)
By PAUL WANJIRU
Othaya Member of Parliament Wambugu Wainaina has emphasized the importance of prioritizing education over the annual rite of passage for boys.
Traditionally, many parents and the community in Othaya have celebrated this rite after boys complete primary school education at Standard eight.
However, this year’s confusion stems from the recent introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which includes a new grade nine class which will be domiciled in primary schools.
Under Kikuyu customs, circumcised boys are expected to use separate facilities from those who have not undergone the rite of passage. With the new grade nine class remaining in primary schools, parents are uncertain whether to hold the rite of passage ceremony this year or to postpone it.
Kikuyu elders (KÌama Kì Ma) recently advised parents to skip this year’s ceremony, as the boys will not be transitioning to senior secondary school like in the past.
Instead, they will remain in the primary school system under the new education structure.
During an inspection tour of Muna-ini Primary School, which is currently undergoing a state-of-the-art upgrade, the Othaya MP addressed these concerns. He urged parents not to panic about the rite of passage, emphasizing that it should not overshadow the importance of education.
“Circumcision is not an issue. There are children who were circumcised at a young age, like our Muslim brothers, and they continue to learn alongside those who are not circumcised. Let’s not make this rite of passage a debate,” the MP said.
Wainaina encouraged parents who wish to hold the rite of passage to do so when appropriate, noting that it is ultimately a personal decision.
“It is not a major issue; it depends on how one chooses to approach it,” he added.
The MP also highlighted his commitment to improving educational facilities in the constituency.
“We are working hard to ensure that pupils have a modern and quality learning environment, which will contribute to better performance,” he said.
The upgrade is being undertaken by the local NG-CDF in honour of the late President Mwai Kibaki who used the institution as his Polling Station. The NG-CDF is contributing KSh4 million while President William Ruto KSh5 million.
“I am confident that we will complete the work before the schools reopen,” he said.
To further enhance educational outcomes, MP Wainaina plans to implement a teacher-parent partnership model, fostering collaboration between parents and teachers to address issues affecting students.
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