Don’t bring officers here – Mwangi Wa Iria warns ahead of Murang’a shrine cleansing after Muturi coronation
Murang'a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria has called for limited police presence during the cleansing ceremony of the Mukurwe wa Gathanga shrine after National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi was enthroned as Kikuyu spokesperson at the shrine.
Speaker Muturi’s crowning as Mt Kenya kingpin in May sparked debate with a section of Kikuyu elders stating that the ceremony was against tradition.
“People should not come to spoil this ceremony by bringing armed police officers here. Where there are old men, there can not be war. If any one wants to come, they should come for prayers or just regular security officers,” Wa Iria said.
The cleansing ceremony which is set to happen on Friday, June 4 will be performed by selected cultural priests who have advanced knowledge of traditional practices.
Speaking to journalists, Kikuyu Council of Elders Secretary General Peter Munga Ngugi said the selected priests spent a night at the shrine in preparation for the cleansing ceremony.
“Women are not allowed inside the shrine. Even not all men are allowed. That is a sacred ground and only select persons are allowed entry into the shrine,” Munga said.
Speaker Muturi’s swearing in put the unity of Mt Kenya politicians on the spot as leaders in the region were divided on the matter.
"What we are praying for is peace, unity and for people to respect each other. This is a happy occasion for all Kikuyus,” the KCE Secretary General said.
Munga further revealed that they only go to the shrine when there are two occasions, either when there is a lot of happiness and reason to celebrate or when there is a calamity.
