Fall of Mugumo tree causes panic in Nyeri as elders plan to visit village

A fig tree, known among the Kikuyu as mugumo, has fallen, causing panic at Gamerock Estate near Nyeri Town.

Even though the falling of the tree inside the compound of former Cabinet minister Chris Murungaru would appear normal to many, to the Kikuyu community, it symbolises something serious.

The tree, considered sacred, fell around 2pm of Friday.

“I was in the farm when the tree fell. I witnessed it and to say the truth, it came as a surprise to me,” a farmhand, Mr John Maina, said.

The tree, estimated to be over 100 years old, destroyed crops, including 10 avocado trees.

“We are fortunate the tree did not fall on the other side, otherwise, it would have destroyed a banana plantation,” said Mr Maina.

A Kikuyu elder, Mr Mathege wa Iregi, said if the tree was ever used as a sacred place, then the fall may mean something bad will happen.

“And if this never happened, then we shall take it as an ordinary mugumo tree in the forest with no serious implications to the community,” said Mr Wa Iregi.

“Elders are yet to meet since we received the news. But in a few days, we shall inspect the place before we give a report on whether the tree is sacred or not,” Mr Iregi added.

Mr Maina said Dr Murungaru was informed about the incident and instructed them not touch the tree until elders inspect it.

The tree, about 30 metres tall, fell barely 100 metres from Dr Murungaru’s palatial home.

Kikuyu traditions state that mugumo trees are not supposed to be cut. The trees were used to perform religious ceremonies such as offering sacrifices and prayers.

When the trees falls due to natural causes, they are to be left to rot on their own. If the tree is cut down, another one must be planted at the same spot to avoid a curse.

In 2012, a mugumo tree believed to be 300 years old fell in Giakanja Village in Tetu and elders interpreted it as a generational change in politics.