A Kikuyu elder praying with the community's rite of passage graduates.[Photo|The Star]
Kikuyu elders from Ikinu location in Githunguri Kiambu County are advising over 300 young men who went through the rite of passage in December.
The youngsters were urged to be of good character, uphold the dignity and respect their elders as they embark on the journey to adulthood. Led by their chairman Kiarie Njang'iru, advice ranged from different aspects of life, especially on dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse, consequences of early sex among the youngsters among other topics.
The elders spent a greater part of their time urging the youth to focus on their education saying that is the only key to better future. “This initiative was prompted by an increase in drug abuse and alcoholism in our region and recent empowerment of the girl child at the expense of the boys which can be manifested in the recent results of national examinations both KCPE and KCSE,” said Njangi’ru.
“Saying the boy child has equal right to be empowered like girls in the society,” he added.
The elders later joined the graduates of the rite of passage in a meat delicacy served with Ugali together after cautioning the “boys” that having undergone the rite of passage it did not mean that they were already grownups and therefore they ought to go back to their homes and be obedient to their parents and guardians.
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