Skull surgery is one of the most complicated undertakings to medics.
But for two Marakwet elders, the practice has been their job for quite some time.
Our arrival at Soko Bora trading centre was just on time.
The blazing afternoon sun at the Kerio Valley makes Mzee Remok Kawa and Regagin Yego (pictured above) sit under a Jacaranda tree skillfully sharpening and assembling their tools of trade.
The two are respected household names in the area.
Their experience and expertise in traditional skull surgeries and therapies are widely sought with clients from across Baringo and Pokot counties.
Their mission on this day was to operate a six year old Faith Jepkosgei who had blood clot in her fore head that had lasted nearly a month.
At the first sight, it is scary. The crude tools they use could make one be forgiven for thinking that an animal is set to be slaughtered.
Among the paraphernalia include an old knife, a sharp remain of a hoe, cobbler’s needle, a piece of mattress and anesthesia drugs.
When everything is set, Mzee Regagin removes his shirt, not because it is hot but to prevent it from being splattered in blood.
He injects the patient with anesthesia substance as he turns on his stop watch.
Exactly five minutes elapses, then two old men take their positions while instructing their helpers on where to hold the patient to avoid being hurt.
The patient is then covered with a piece of cloth on the face.
It is serious business.
Anyone who seems to be a visitor is told to stay away.
Kosy as preferably being referred to, writhes in pain as blood profusely ooze from a deep cut on her forehead.
Daktari as is proudly being called inserts a piece of mattress into the cut and it sucks the blood.
The skull can now be seen.
The ‘Doctor’ then inserts a cobbler’s needle, moving it round the pierced part.
He is careful than before.
His objective is to ascertain any crack in the targeted part.
After forcing out blood, in a bid to ensure the clot is removed, he takes a tailor’s needle tucked with string and carefully stitches the wound.
The way he does this, shows rich experience they have obtained in this unique field.
He leaves a small opening on the bottom side; this, he says, will aid the slow flow of any drops of bad blood hence prevent formation of pus.
The patient is still held firmly.
The process is not through without sterilizing the wound.
Daktari crushes lemon mixed with Sodom apple sap.
Using a syringe, he inserts it into the wound.
The pain is evidently seen on the patient’s face.
Mzee Kawa says the prescription is intended to be the equivalent of tetanus vaccine.
The patient is not released before the two perform a Marakwet ritual locally called ‘baarbar to appease ancestors as a result of shedding blood.
The ritual, according to them, is to prevent continuous flow of blood and ward off sprits that could otherwise slow down healing process.
They call ancestors names and list clans that they are not in good terms with and especially those who in any generation a murder crime has taken place against seeking divine intervention.
Those present respond in unison.
It is a prayer adored by many here.
The two men are recognized by government authorities for the noble duty they offer to the wananchi.
Regagin proudly shows off a certificate of basic hygiene awarded to them by Eldoret based Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).
’’Following our continuous service to residents, we were invited for a training at Eldoret.
They wanted to know what we are dealing with and how. After our explanation, we were put on training on how to use basic equipment to ease our job,” he says.
He says that during the training they were supplied with sutures and anesthesia to modernize and ease their work.
Maria Yano, a resident is a beneficiary of this unique medical field.
She proudly removed her scarf to show a healed scar on her head.
She says her life was saved by the two.
She got the injury following an accident she was involved in, breaking two of her bones.
“I would have died but the two men helped me. The pain I went through was unbearable. God gave us Regagin and Kawa to save our lives,” says Maria 60.
According to Doctor Keyles Kimeli of Iten County Teaching and Referral Hospital, traditional skull surgery has been in existence for years.
The medic says the skull is the most complicated part of human body warning of severe damages if not handled by professionals.
He calls on the public to seek medical attendance from qualified personnel for guaranteed quality services.
The county health services department confirmed the presence of the traditional practioners saying efforts are being put in place to enable them discharge their duties in safe environments.
The practice which has been with humanity for centuries is passed to generations through apprenticeship.
A selected clan is allowed to practice this.
