President Dr William Ruto adorned in a cultural attire at state house,Nairobi….Photo/Courtesy
By IP reporter
MBALE CITY, Uganda
An advance delegation dispatched by Kenyan President William Ruto has arrived in Mbale City ahead of the official launch of the 2026 Imbalu circumcision ceremony at Mutoto in Mbale city,Uganda.
The spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Steven Masiga, confirmed the arrival of the delegation, saying the team will engage the institution’s leadership to coordinate preparations for President Ruto’s anticipated visit to the annual cultural event.
According to Masiga, the advance team is expected to discuss key logistical and protocol arrangements to ensure the Kenyan Head of State receives a befitting welcome during the official Imbalu launch.
The delegation includes Jameleck Gitonga, a Senior Presidential Advisor on Educational and Cultural Affairs, Lucy Wanjiku from the Office of the President of Kenya and several other government officials.
Imbalu is the ancient, revered tradition of public, unanesthetized circumcision practiced biennially by the Bamasaaba community spanning Uganda and Kenya.
More than just a rite of passage, Imbalu is a supreme test of endurance and bravery.
Young men are expected to face the traditional surgeon’s knife without blinking, flinching, or crying out, officially graduating into respected members of the community who can marry, inherit property and speak in public councils.
Masiga noted that preparations for President Ruto’s visit began earlier this year.
Around March, the Umukuka of Bugisu, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, held discussions with the Kenyan Ambassador to Uganda on plans for receiving the Kenyan leader during the cultural celebrations.
National Assembly Speaker Dr. Moses Wetang’ula, recognized as the senior-most “Omumasaaba’ across the cross-border Kenya-Uganda region, will lead a prominent delegation of Kenyan leaders to the August 1 event.
The delegation includes Nairobi Governor Johnstone Sakaja,Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya,Nandi Governor Stephen Sang’,Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii, Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai ,West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin,Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, Bungoma Gvernor Ken Lusaka,Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma,Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Otichilo,Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa,Kisii Governor Simba Aratialongside several Senators, Members of Parliament, and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs).
They will accompany top leaders of the Bamasaaba community to the historic Mutoto Cultural Grounds in Mbale District, joining various African monarchs who have confirmed their attendance for the cultural showcase.He further explained that, according to a widely held oral tradition among the Bamasaba, the practice of circumcision is believed to have originated from communities in present-day Kenya, particularly among the Sabaot and Pokot communities, which are part of the larger Kalenjin ethnic group. President Ruto belongs to the Kalenjin community, a historical connection that has generated significant interest in his expected participation.The 2026 Imbalu season will be officially launched by Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma on August 1 at the Mutoto Cultural Grounds. President Ruto’s expected attendance is seen as a significant boost to the cultural event, reflecting the deep historical and cultural ties shared between the Bamasaba of Uganda and related communities across the border in Kenya.
Ends.
