Homa Bay Urban MP Peter Kaluma has sparked controversy after calling for the banning of male circumcision in Kenya, describing the practice as outdated and unnecessary.
For two consecutive days, Kaluma has publicly argued against circumcision, claiming it originates from ancient biblical beliefs during the time of Abraham. He further alleged that only about 10% of men worldwide practice circumcision, labeling them as “young, weak, and dirty.”
“Let us stop all forms of circumcision in Kenya and save our youth from this social evil,” he stated.
Linking Circumcision to Social Issues
Kaluma also linked male circumcision to increased cases of early pregnancies and female genital mutilation (FGM) in communities where the practice is common. He questioned why men from such communities seek women from non-circumcising groups if they truly believe in the importance of the tradition.
“FGM, child pregnancy, and child marriage have increased in communities that practice FGM. Why do men from these communities circumcise their daughters and then seek wives from non-circumcised communities if the practice is truly beneficial?” Kaluma posed.
Comparing Humans to Animals
In a separate tweet, Kaluma argued that circumcision is unnatural, noting that all animal species remain uncircumcised except for some humans.
“Stop circumcision. Circumcision is cutting off men. Donkeys are not circumcised. All animals are uncircumcised except for a few humans who have been deceived into believing they are descendants of Abraham, a man who lived in a desert without water!” he wrote.
Backlash from the Public
Kaluma’s statements have been met with strong criticism from social media users, with many arguing that circumcision promotes hygiene and reduces the risk of infections. Critics dismissed his claims, asserting that circumcision is a globally recognized practice with health benefits.
Despite the backlash, Kaluma remains firm in his stance, urging Kenyans to rethink the cultural significance and health implications of male circumcision.
