FAHAMU NETWORK

More than 1,000 boys around Kitale town and its environs have undergone medically supervised circumcision in an initiative aimed at protecting children from complications associated with unsafe traditional circumcision practices. The exercise, spearheaded by Kitale Family House of Hope, seeks to promote safer circumcision practices while preserving the cultural significance of the rite of passage through proper medical care, mentorship and parental involvement. The initiative comes amid growing concerns over complications arising from poorly conducted traditional circumcision procedures, including excessive bleeding, infections, permanent injuries, psychological trauma and, in severe cases, death. Health concerns have particularly been raised over the sharing of circumcision instruments, inadequate sterilisation and the absence of trained medical personnel during some traditional ceremonies, exposing boys to preventable health risks. Bishop Edward Khaoya, founder and director of Kitale...

  A woman who endured three years of agonising knee pain has found new hope after undergoing a successful knee replacement surgery at Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital, marking a breakthrough in specialised orthopaedic care in the region. For three years, Invio Latta Natecho from Maili Saba in Trans Nzoia endured persistent pain in her left knee, a condition that disrupted her life and left her struggling with the discomfort of a damaged joint. What began as injuries following repeated falls gradually developed into a painful condition that would keep her seeking medical attention for years, without the relief she desperately needed. When she eventually visited Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital, medical examinations and imaging revealed that she was suffering from severe left knee osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition that causes pain, stiffness and restricted movement. Her journey to treatment involved several hospital visits, medical revie...

  The High Court in Kitale is set to give directions on the delivery of judgment in a petition seeking recognition of polygamous Christian marriages under Kenyan law, following submissions by the Attorney General urging the court to dismiss the case. The Attorney General, through State Counsel Lotiir E. Henry and Deputy Chief State Counsel Joyce Chilaka, has opposed the petition filed by 80-year-old Bonface Ndura Koimburi, arguing that he has failed to demonstrate any constitutional violation arising from provisions of the Marriage Act, 2014. In their submissions before Justice Robert Limo, the State Counsel maintained that the petitioner was seeking to legitimise a personal preference rather than address an infringement of constitutional rights. “What is before you is a figment of imagination. It is not a violation of the law. It is an idea that the petitioner had conceived and wants the court to legitimise,” Lotiir told the court. The Attorney General argued that Koimburi had fai...

  People's Renaissance Movement (PM) party leader Caleb Amisi has challenged the United Opposition to abandon ethnic-based political manoeuvres, warning that attempts to unite voters along tribal lines could play into President William Ruto's hands ahead of the 2027 General Election. Amisi said the opposition cannot dislodge Ruto by assembling ethnic voting blocs, arguing that only a broad-based, non-tribal political alliance with nationwide appeal can mount a challenge against the incumbent. Speaking during a church function in Likuyani, the Saboti MP accused opposition leaders of undermining their own efforts by mobilising communities along ethnic lines instead of rallying Kenyans around a common national agenda. "Some say they are going in one group, others say they are going in another group. We told them, you only remove William Ruto using a non-tribal card. The moment you start playing tribal politics, you are playing in William Ruto's goal," he said. ...

Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital has reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality and specialised healthcare services as patient numbers continue to rise, dismissing concerns about its operational capacity and urging members of the public to seek accurate information about the facility. The hospital's management maintains that the facility is fully operational and continues to serve patients from across Trans Nzoia County, neighbouring counties and parts of Uganda. The hospital offers a range of medical services aimed at improving access to specialised healthcare within the region. Hospital Administrator Rose Wepuhulu Wangila said the facility was experiencing an increase in patient numbers, with daily admissions pushing its inpatient population beyond the officially approved bed capacity. According to Wangila, the Level Four hospital has an approved capacity of 258 beds, as recognised by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), but is currently ...

A group of Bukusu elders in Trans Nzoia County has claimed exclusive legitimacy to represent the community in all socio-political affairs, asserting that they are the only body mandated to speak on matters affecting the community.  According to the elders, this unified voice is necessary to restore order and cohesion within the community, which they say has in the past suffered from disjointed leadership and conflicting political endorsements. The elders, led by John Sululu, emphasized that they would announce their preferred candidate for the governor position only after conducting a thorough and objective vetting process ahead of the 2027 general election. Mr. Sululu noted that their goal is to identify a candidate who genuinely understands the aspirations of the cosmopolitan county and who will champion development, unity, and responsible leadership. "From our perspective, we believe it is important to thoroughly scrutinize all candidates who have shown interest in ...