PHOTOS: A goat and libations to beseech deity over 'Mugumo' tree on path of major highway

The Kikuyu Council of Elders has performed traditional rituals at Sagana town in Kirinyaga County to allow the cutting down of a Mugumo tree so as to pave way for the construction of the Kenol-Sagana-Marwa Highway, which is still under construction.

They lit a fire at the site where the tree stands and conducted prayers facing Mt Kenya.

Sagana Chief Joseph Kabinga said that the ceremony was necessitated since, under the Kikuyu traditions, the Mugumo tree is sacred and cannot be cut down without the rituals being performed.

Kabinga said that with the rituals having been performed, the road contractor can now move and cut down the tree and continue with the construction.