In Kikuyu culture, the mugumo tree (also known as the fig tree) is considered very sacred. When a mugumo tree falls, it’s seen as a significant event with potential meanings, both positive and negative.
The Kikuyu council of elders, Kiama Kia Ma, held prayer ceremonies on Tuesday after a large mugumo tree fell due to heavy rains. The fallen tree blocked the busy Kanunga-Banana road near the former home of 7th Attorney General Paul Kihara in Kiambaa subcounty, forcing motorists to take alternative routes.
The fall of the mugumo tree is a significant event for the Kikuyu community. Shamte Munyua, chairman of Kiama Kia Ma in Kiambu county, expressed relief that despite the busy road and nearby homes, no one was harmed by the falling tree.
According to Munyua, when a mugumo falls, the elders visit the site to understand the cause and offer prayers to God, seeking to avert any misfortune from befalling the community. He explained the unique nature of the mugumo tree, formed by multiple trees growing together, making them exceptionally strong and resistant to falling traditionally.
The elders suspect the tree’s fall might be a sign of God’s displeasure with the disunity within the Kikuyu community, urging them to seek unity and reconciliation.
Elder Kimani wa Kuria, known as Muthamaki, who led the prayer ceremony, emphasized the sacred nature of the mugumo tree, necessitating the performance of rituals. He explained that after removing the fallen tree from the road, it wouldn’t be used for firewood but left to decompose naturally in a designated spot.
Traditionally, the mugumo tree holds immense respect in Kikuyu culture. Elder Muthamaki highlighted a specific restriction: “It is only elderly women from age 80 years and above who are allowed to use the Mugumo tree as firewood,” he explained. Anyone else younger than that who uses the tree for anything, a bad omen can befall them and their families. This emphasizes the sacred nature of the mugumo tree and the potential consequences of violating its traditional protections.
In line with Kikuyu tradition, the elders will return to the site in ten days for further rituals aimed at appeasing the gods and seeking blessings of protection, peace, and unity for the community. These rituals may involve offerings and prayers specific to Kikuyu traditions.
