According to a 2022 scholary article published on International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology (IJISRT), this curse, irrespective of one's status or beliefs, casts a shadow over life, making the concept of kirumi a deeply ingrained aspect of Kikuyu cultural consciousness.
The Inescapable Cycle: Migiro, Thahu, and Kirumi
A curse, known as kirumi, manifests as a distressing anguish that affects individuals from various walks of life—leaders, the educated, the rich, the poor, the young, the old, believers, and non-believers alike.
This curse is not confined by the boundaries of social standing or religious affiliation; rather, it imposes a range of malevolent consequences, including failure, loss, and family instability.
The Unyielding Grip of Kirumi
The fear of kirumi persists in Kikuyu community, transcending the influence of Western or Eastern dominant world religions.
Curses, viewed as a means of protection and influence, play a significant role in shaping socio-cultural and religious dynamics of Agikuyu people.
The concept of curse, or kirumi, draws parallels to Emile Durkheim's theory of social control, where prohibitions (migiro) serve to maintain social harmony and avoid the contamination of thahu.
Durkheim's Theory Resonance With Agikuyu Beliefs
Emile Durkheim's concept of social control finds resonance in Agikuyu religious beliefs. Migiro, akin to prohibitions, safeguards the community from thahu, which is equated to Christian sin.
This intricate dance between the sacred and the profane mirrors the Old Testament's prescription of interdictions, emphasizing the consequences of their contravention.
Purification and Reinstatement
In the aftermath of violating 'migiro', individuals in Kikuyu culture face the need for purification ceremonies, known as 'gutahikio', to be reinstated into the community.
This process, influenced by both material and spiritual repercussions, aligns with Durkheim's dimensions of culture, morals, and religion.
Agikuyu Religion & Beliefs
The Agikuyu religion comprises two fundamental beliefs: Ngai, the supreme Deity, and Ngomi cia Agu, the ancestral spirits. Despite their complimentary nature, the Agikuyu approach these beliefs differently.
While Ngai is truly worshiped, ancestral spirits are communed with rather than worshiped as intermediaries. God, as the creator and provider, remains a central aspect of Agikuyu religious beliefs.
Myth and Origin: Gikuyu and Mumbi
Embedded within Agikuyu cultural beliefs is the myth of origin. According to this myth, the Agikuyu trace their roots to Gikuyu and Mumbi, their first parents. This myth adds a layer of cultural distinctiveness, shaping the Agikuyu identity.
Editor's Note: 254 NewsDay acknowledges the below listed scholars & institutions whose IJISTR article this blog post is based.
John Laurence K. Waweru, Rev. Prof. Lucy R. Kimaro, and Rev. Dr. James Wambugu, Religious Studies, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.