Kikuyu Elders have cleansed a mugumo tree that was mistakenly pruned and used for firewood in Kinoo, Kikuyu Sub-County in Kiambu County.
The tree which is at EGM Kinoo Primary School compound was pruned to provide firewood during a function held in the school.
Elders said it was a taboo to cut or prune a mugumo tree, especially one that has been used as a shrine.
They said it was only Agikuyu elders who have been ordained to serve and blessed should perform the task.
"This tree was used by the forefathers to offer sacrifices to Mwene Nyaga (God) it should not be touched by a panga or any other tool," said one of the elders.
The elders ordered the school's Board of Management to remove three classes near the shrine to avoid any danger insisting that the mugumo tree must be fenced.
During the ceremony, a lamb without blemish was slaughtered and burnt in a fire that was lit using dry branches from the mugumo tree and the smoke allowed to go up to the sky.
The elders also prayed for forgiveness for those who cut the tree and others involved.