For a Kalenjin man to be fully inducted into the community, trusted with the community's secrets, and even be given leadership rights, he must undergo these two rites;
1. Circumcision
The Kalenjin people value circumcision, especially the traditional one. In ancient times, Kalenjins used the rite of passage to train its warriors. During circumcision, the boy is turned into a man, and thereby a custodian of the community’s secrets.
An uncircumcised boy is often an object of ridicule among others, and cannot be considered a man until he gets circumcised.
2. Marriage
Marriage is another important rite. When one has been circumcised, he is given the go-ahead to marry. Of course, that has changed in these modern times. There is school, and the subject of money. However, the Kalenjins value marriage since it shows that a man is ready to take on responsibilities.
Children are pride in the community since they ensure the community’s continuity. It is quite rare to find a leader who is not married among the Kalenjins. It is one of the things that an opponent can use as a propaganda tool.
These two rites offer the community a chance to come together and celebrate the achievements of one of their own. It forges an identity as well as fostering unity for the community.
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