Kikuyu Elders perform sacred rituals after Mugumo tree falls in Nyeri

A group of Kikuyu traditional elders have performed sacred cleansing rituals following the fall of a revered mugumo (fig) tree in Nyeri town two(2) weeks ago.

In Kikuyu tradition, the falling of a mugumo tree is seen as a spiritual sign, often believed to carry a significant message--either a warning or a blessing from God.

The incident occurred on the evening of April 11, 2025, when the massive tree collapsed, blocking a busy road leading into Nyeri town.

Although no injuries were reported, the fall caused significant disruption.

On Monday, members of the Kiama Kiama, a council of Kikuyu elders, gathered at the site to conduct rituals, including the slaughtering of a goat and the offering of a burnt sacrifice to their deity, Mwene Nyaga, as part of traditional appeasement practices.

According to Wachira Ndei, the Kiama Kiama Organising Secretary for Nyeri County and the head of programmes for the group, the fall of the tree was no ordinary event.

“A mugumo tree never truly falls--it sleeps after many years of existence,” Mr Ndei explained.

“When a mugumo tree sleeps, it signifies that God has a message for His people. This particular tree slept peacefully, without causing harm. However, some individuals cut it into pieces before the appropriate rituals were performed, which is against our customs.”

Mr Ndei added that although the individuals likely acted with the intention of clearing the road, elders were later forced to conduct special cleansing ceremonies at their homes to protect them from potential curses.

“We have now performed the necessary rituals and burnt a goat as a sacrifice to cushion the community from any spiritual consequences,” he said.

The event also attracted interest from younger generations, who were eager to reconnect with their cultural heritage.

Mr Mathenge Wang'ombe, a youth from Muthia-ini in Kamakwa-Mukaro Ward, said he attended the ceremony to learn about traditional practices.

“As a young person, I felt it was important to witness this significant cultural ritual. I have learned a lot today,” Mr Wang'ombe said.

Ms Veronica Muthoni, another attendee, shared some of the cultural lessons she picked up during the ceremony.

“I learned that during such rituals, women must not raise their hands but instead fold them while facing Mt Kenya. We are also not allowed to approach or touch the altar, as doing so could bring a curse upon our families,” Ms Muthoni.

The rituals marked a moment of cultural reflection and spiritual grounding for the Nyeri community, reinforcing the significance of the mugumo tree in Kikuyu cosmology.