Traditional elders from Kirinyaga County gathered at Kutus Police Station in Gichugu on Thursday to perform a cleansing ceremony, two weeks after a sacred mugumo tree fell inside the police station compound.
The ceremony was led by members of the Kirinyaga Kiama elders' council, who say they represent more than eighteen elder groups from across the county. The elders chose Mzee Mathenge Wa Wairegi, the oldest among them, to lead the important ritual. As part of the ceremony, a sheep was slaughtered and its blood was sprinkled at the site following traditional customs.
Before the cleansing began, Kutus Police Station Officer Commanding Station Dominic Muriuki briefed the elders about what happened when the mugumo tree fell. He then reported the matter to his superiors. After talking things over, the elders agreed that a cleansing ceremony was necessary and decided that residents would still be allowed to access and use the tree.
Elder Kinyua Wa Githua explained that the mugumo tree fell slowly at the police station, but it remains highly respected by the community. He said both the police station and the mugumo tree hold great significance, adding that the tree is old and has chosen to leave its power at the station.
Mzee Mathenge Wa Wairegi shared that the prayers were done while facing Mount Kenya, which is the proper way according to Kikuyu traditions. He also mentioned that there are other traditional trees, like the mukuyu, that also require cleansing rituals when necessary.
The elders described the mugumo tree as sacred and one of the most respected symbols in Kikuyu culture. They made it clear that their cultural practices do not clash with government institutions, religious organisations, or other community groups.
Another elder, Kareithi Wa Ndambiri, said they must preserve and practise their culture, which is why they came to Kutus Police Station. He noted that the ceremony was done openly so that members of the public and the media could witness everything.
The elders also urged Kikuyu community members to pass on their cultural heritage to younger generations, even with the influence of modern education and changing lifestyles. They acknowledged that modern systems like healthcare and formal education are good, but they stressed the importance of keeping traditional customs and values alive.
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