Kikuyu elders break tradition by planting sacred Mugumo tree in Kiambu

Human activities and changing natural behaviour have not spared indigenous and sacred trees, altering biodiversity and ecosystems.

Habitat destruction through deforestation and climate change, driven by human settlement, agriculture, and other forms of development, has interfered with nature’s pristine balance, leaving behind bare, infertile land and affecting vital ecosystem services.

In Kenya, restoration efforts, including afforestation from valleys to hilltops, are in high gear as part of a global bid to save the planet from the excesses of climate change and past human irresponsibility.

Kikuyu elders from Kiambu County have recently embraced this restoration opportunity by planting a sacred tree—an unimaginable act in the community, as no one has ever attempted to plant the tree that traditionally grows naturally.

In a ritual-filled ceremony, the elders planted the indigenous sacred fig tree, known as the Mugumo in the Agikuyu language. This was done to restore the Mugumo tree that had been cut down to pave way for the Karimenu II Dam reservoir.

Njoroge Mutugu, a member of the Kikuyu Council of Elders, recalls the exact spot where a 50-year-old Mugumo tree once stood before it was removed by contractors.

“That Mugumo tree was standing where the dam intake tower is today. It was at the center of the dam. It had been there for over 50 years. People might fear, but I am not afraid to say that it was at the center of the river and it was never swept away. You know, the Mugumo tree doesn’t have a tap root, yet it could not fall. When it was being uprooted, the Chinese contractors asked me to call the wazee (elders) to talk to the tree so it could be removed,” narrated Mutugu.

The fallen Mugumo tree was later buried in a ceremony to prevent the community from unknowingly using any part of it as firewood or for other purposes—a practice considered taboo and believed to bring harm to the community.

According to the elders, the sacred Mugumo tree and its surroundings play a spiritual and cultural role, shielding the community from misfortune and fostering peaceful coexistence.

At the planting ceremony, animal slaughter was initially planned as part of the ritual. However, it did not take place in front of the public as elders explained that it is a sacred practice only witnessed by specific people, with every piece of meat symbolically distributed.

“When we hold such an event, we don’t just cut meat and hand it out. Whatever you are given carries meaning. That is why we could not give the whole crowd a piece each,” clarified Mutugu.

He further emphasized the significance of the event:
“We are happy to be granted this chance to plant a Mugumo tree. Since the cutting of the one at the dam reservoir, it has not been easy for the community here. We normally don’t cut a Mugumo tree, and when it falls, it is considered symbolic, requiring answers from the gods. Today, we have involved people who are usually not supposed to be present, and we hope God will allow this tree to grow.”

The Kiama Kiema Kikuyu elders not only have a physical responsibility to care for the tree but also a spiritual duty to petition for its growth—making this a historic act.

Engineer Joseph Kamau, CEO of Athi Water Works, who was among the guest planters, said:
“Fortunately, I know the significance of what they were doing, and that’s why I was at the forefront. My participation demonstrates that, as Athi Water, we want our operations to be as inclusive as possible.”

The project in the Upper Tana and Mid-Galana basins encompasses agroforestry systems designed to secure water supply for Nairobi and enhance groundwater recharge in areas feeding Mzima Springs.

The initiative aims to replenish water supplies, plant thousands of indigenous trees along riparian zones to improve water quality, and rehabilitate degraded farmlands and rangelands through sustainable land management. Hundreds of farm ponds have been installed, and fruit orchards planted to improve food security while providing alternative livelihoods for local communities.

The watershed restoration project brings together grassroots climate and sustainability organizations in collaboration with the Kenyan government. It also champions the replanting of extinct indigenous trees to revive lost biodiversity.