A traditional Kikuyu man who was lucky enough to live to see his sunset years - many actually did - would basically undergo seven major stages beginning from childhood to ripe old age.
Below is a brief overview of the 7 major phases of a full-grown Kikuyu man and related activities that came with each stage.
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 'watched' properly may stray and become a thorn in the feet of the family and community.
To be referred to as 'kihii' when you're not is actually an insult as it aludes to the fact that you are 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 type that would be sent to war to fight or defend the tribe's interests. They were known as 'njamba cia ita'.
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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 during a major war involving the community.
7. 'Muthuuri 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.