Elders perform rituals after Mugumo tree fell in Nyahururu

The tree, which is popularly known as Mugumo in the Kikuyu community, fell between a guest House and another tree near the main restaurant causing panic to members of staff at the facility.

According to the Hotel Manager Mr. Henry Kimani, the incident prompted them to invite intervention of the local elders of the traditional Kiama Kia Ma to perform their rituals and also help to interpret the reason why the fig tree fell.

However, the elders who performed the rituals to appease the tree said there was no bad omen caused by the look of how it fell since it chopped off from its main trunk and fell between a Guest House and another nearby tree and nothing was damaged as a result.

Spiritual elder (Muthamaki) Dominic Ng’era said the cause could have been as a result of old age and hence the tree just rested since there were elements of decomposition from its inner part.

He added that the fall signified peaceful rest owing to the fact that it also fell down after a daylong anti-Finance Bill protests that were witnessed in Nairobi City, Tuesday.

In most cases, the falling of a Mugumo tree is considered a bad omen in Kikuyu culture as it's believed to signify the end of an era.

Elder Geoffrey Maina Mwangi, Kiama Kia Ma chairman, in Laikipia County, who attended the prayer ritual said they are glad the tree did not hurt anyone or fall on any guests at the facility.

He revealed that when a Mugumo tree falls, elders visit the scene to establish why it fell and pray to God not to allow any bad omen to befall the community.

Mugumo tree is a combination of many trees growing up together as one tree which makes it impossible to fall.

Elder Ng’era said they suspect that the falling of the tree may signify that God was at peace with the Country and hence called on leaders to embrace and preach peace and also tackle national issues with decorum.

The Elder who performed the prayer ceremony said the tree is a shrine and rituals must be performed.

He said after the tree is cut and removed from the scene, it cannot be used as a firewood but it's instead put somewhere for it to rot.

"It is only elderly women from age 80 years and above who are allowed to use the Mugumo tree as firewood and anyone else younger than that who uses the tree on anything, bad omen can befall them and their families," he said.

The elders will help to perform rituals to appease the gods and pray for protection, peace and unity of the community.

The Mugumo tree has occupied a mythical place for generations among the Agikuyu.

Most popular myth is that if one went round the Mugumo tree seven times, they would experience gender change.

However, no records exist of such a transformation though. Some people also believe that spirits of ancestors dwell in Mugumo trees and their canopies have been used as shrines for offering sacrifices to gods and holding prayers.

Agikuyu ancestors believed that God would heed their prayers if they prayed under the tree.

Elders say the tree is respected for its role in the beliefs and culture of the community that have over the years helped it to thrive.