The falling of a fig tree, known as Mugumo in the Kikuyu community, at Nyahururu Panari Resort prompted prayer rituals by Kikuyu Elders from Kiama kia Ma outfit in Nyahururu town.
The tree fell between a guest house and another tree near the main restaurant, causing panic among staff. Hotel Manager Mr. Henry Kimani invited local elders to perform rituals and interpret the reason for the fall.
According to Spiritual elder Dominic Ng’era, the fall may have been due to old age, as there were signs of decomposition.
He noted that the fall coincided with peaceful rest following anti-Finance Bill protests in Nairobi. While the falling of a Mugumo tree is often considered a bad omen in Kikuyu culture, Elder Geoffrey Maina Mwangi expressed relief that no one was hurt and emphasized the importance of praying to prevent bad omens.
Mugumo trees are revered as shrines, and rituals are performed when they fall. Elder Ng’era stressed the need for leaders to promote peace and handle national issues with decorum. After the tree is removed, it cannot be used as firewood but is left 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 conduct rituals to appease the gods and pray for protection, peace, and unity within the community. The Mugumo tree holds a mythical significance among the Agikuyu people, with one popular myth suggesting that circling the tree seven times could result in a gender change, although there are no records to substantiate this claim.
Additionally, some believe that Mugumo trees house the spirits of ancestors, and their canopies have served as shrines for making offerings to the gods and holding prayers.
The Agikuyu ancestors believed that praying under the tree would attract God’s attention to their requests. Elders emphasize the tree’s importance in the community’s beliefs and culture, which have contributed to its revered status over the years.
