Kikuyu traditional culture has mostly been eroded by western civilisation to an extent that the current generation has little understanding of it.

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The only thing that identifies a true Kikuyu today is perhaps the language which has withstood the turbulence that came with the so-called civilisation.

Here we, however, focus on the stages of a Kikuyu man's life since birth to full maturity that many men of the tribe may not be fully aware of.

According to Gikuyu Centre of Cultural Studies (GCCS), a Gikuyu man underwent seven major stages before maturity as enumerated below.

1. 'Gakenge'

This is a newborn baby who is just a few months old after birth. After this, he will be referred to as 'kaana' where a major ceremony was held (guciarwo kwa mwana) to celebrate the baby's arrival into the family.

2. 'Kahii'

This is a young boy who is somewhere below the age of 10 or slightly above. During this stage, another major ceremony known as the Second Birth (Gucokia mwana ihu-ini) would be held.

3. 'Kihii'

This is a big boy who is nearing circumcision and is somewhere between the age of 12 and 18 years. He has started to be naughty and stubborn and if not 'straightened' may even become a thorn in the feet of his parents.

GCCS notes that to be called 'kihii' is an insult as it refers to the fact that one is overdue for 'straightening'.

4. 'Mumo'

This is a young man just after undergoing the circumcision ritual which was a big ceremony among the Kikuyus (mambura ma irua). Many men circumcised together during this time would form 'riika' (age-set).

5. 'Mwanake'

This is a young man who is gearing up for marriage. He is at the climax of his life. Men at this stage are the ones who would be sent to war to fight or defend the tribe's interests. They were known as 'njamba cia ita' 

6. 'Muthuuri'

This is a married man who has now settled down after marriage and even has a family. However, he could still be called upon to serve in a military duty in a major war.

7. 'Muthuri wa Kiama'

This is an elderly man with full grown children and could be called to serve in one or more tribal councils (ciama/kiama). These men were respected by all in the tribe due to their age and wise counsel. Even during a major war, these men could not be called upon to serve.

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