Agikuyu elders at a past function. It was joy and celebrations on Saturday as 35 initiates who underwent the rite of passage according to Agikuyu customary traditions were handed over to their parents in Mau summit Molo sub-county. [Photo: nation.co.ke]
It was joy and celebrations on Saturday as 35 initiates who underwent the rite of passage according to Agikuyu customary traditions were handed over to their parents in Mau summit Molo sub-county.
The initiates had been under the care of Kikuyu elders for ten days undergoing counseling and receiving advice as per the Kikuyu traditions.
Addressing media in the area, the national chairman Kikuyu Cultural Association (Kiama kia ma) Kigochi Waimeri said the passage was organized by Agikuyu elders who found it necessary to cultivate good virtues among young boys who are about to graduate to adulthood.
He pointed out that Kikuyu elders have become concerned over the high rate at which young people are indulging in irresponsible social behavior.
“We are concerned over the high rate at which young people are indulging in irresponsible social behavior for instance a case in Turi Elburgon early this month where an initiate was forced to smoke bhang a scene that turned chaotic after a youth was stabbed as they fought over food," said an elder.
He howver was quick to state that as elders, they are commitment in ensuring that the young Kikuyu generation is led in the right direction.
He said such event will be held every year in order to ensure that vices such as drug abuse are eliminated in the society.
Sentiments echoed by chairmen of Agikuyu elders in Kuresoi South and North Maina Kariuki.
They called on parents to respect the role of elders in the society.
Wandeti Kori, a parent, said that it was encouraging to see elders hold on to their role of guidance to the youth.
Sentiments echoed by Erick Muchai who said the practice will greatly help reduce immorality among the youth.