Elders from Tharaka, Meru, Maasai, Kikuyu and Ogiek communities converge for rain ritual
Elders from the Tharaka, Meru, Maasai, Kikuyu and Ogiek communities gathered at a shrine in Kibuka Falls on River Tana in Tharaka Constituency on Thursday for the annual Kibuka appeasement ritual.
The ritual which takes place at the onset of October-November-December rains involves the sacrifice of a goat at the waterfalls to appease a deity, Kibuka, whom the Tharaka community believes controls nature.

The elders also presented various planting seeds at the shrine for blessings before the planting season begins.
The ceremony was led by the Tharaka chief elder known as Mugwe, Mr Kathuu Nkamba, and Kikuyu elder Mathenge Kaengeri.
The event which also marked the International Day of Peace was organised by the Society for Alternative Learning and Transformation (SALT) which supports the continuity of the positive culture and protection of nature.

Mr Simon Ndonco, the SALT founder and President said the event is also meant to seek forgiveness and blessings for the community from the legendary Kibuka.
“We conduct this ritual every year with a big support from Africa Biodiversity Network and our main purpose is to seek forgiveness and blessings for our community and country at large,” said Mr Ndonco.
Culture enthusiasts from several African countries including Tanzania, Congo, and Benin also attended the ritual event.

The site for the ritual is the scene where the government plans to construct the Sh 400 billion High Grand Falls Dam.