Kikuyu elders perform rituals to cut fallen Mugumo tree in Nanyuki River

Kikuyu Council of Elders have performed a special traditional ritual to pave the way for the cutting of a Mugumo (fig) tree that fell four years ago, blocking the free flow of the Nanyuki River in Laikipia County.

The ritual, conducted by Kiama Kia Ma elders, involved traditional prayers and the slaughter of a sheep and burning of the meat to “appease the gods” before cutting the tree to remove the trunk and branches from the river.

The Mugumo tree is considered sacred by the Kikuyu community because it was a pious place where elders made traditional sacrifices to avert disaster. The tree is never felled and elders must perform sacrifices on a fallen tree before the trunk can be removed from the site.

Since the tree fell on its own in 2019, the area has experienced flooding during heavy rains, blocking access to roads leading to the nearby Likii Estate.

Kikuyu elder Mathenge Wa Iregi, who led the cleansing ceremony at the invitation of the Laikipia County Government, gave the nod for the tree to be cut down and removed from the river.

Laikipia County Government Chief Officer in charge of Infrastructure Gatheca Macharia said they sought assistance from the elders to avoid flood disaster from the anticipated El nino rains.

“Residents of nearby Likii Estate have expressed fears of being displaced by flooding due to the expected heavy rains. We had to seek help from the elders before cutting down the trees,” said Mr Macharia.

According to the Kikuyu elders, when a Mugumo tree falls, it symbolises something important will transpire, whether positive or negative.

Kikuyu elders (Kiama Kia Ma) led by Mathenge Wa Iregi conduct special traditional rites on the banks of River Nanyuki. Photo by Mwangi Ndirangu

 

The fallen tree should be left untouched until the elders perform traditional cleansing rituals.

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