Githaka said the ritual was necessary to counter misfortunes that could befall the community as a result of desecrating the mugumu tree shrine. A fig tree seedling and other two indigenous tree seedlings had been planted a few metres from the old tree to be cut down, and they are growing well. “Planting seedlings symbolised the transfer into a new shine of the old one and the movement of spirits lying under the old tree to be uprooted to the young tree. She praised the government and elders for assisting in making way for progress. Environmentalist Achuti Mochama praised the Agikuyu elders for their efforts in preserving the fig tree.

Source: The Star May 29, 2021 08:48 UTC