Fallen Mugumo tree disrupts transport as officials await elders cleansing

The mugumo tree that fell and blocked the busy Murang'a Kiria ini road on Monday afternoon. The removal of the tree awaits kikuyu elders to conduct a tradition ceremony. [Boniface Gikandi, Standard]

Transport between Murang'a town and Kiria ini has remained paralyzed after a huge Mugumo tree fell and blocked the highway.

During the Monday afternoon incident, motorists were forced to use the longer routes to reach Kiria ini in Mathioya, and other parts of Nyeri and Laikipia counties.

Large vehicles were forced to use the longer Murang'a Gitugi, Kiria ini road and Murang'a, Gakonya, Mukurwe ini routes to reach their destinations.

The small vehicles are using the Gwa Kamama route to avoid the section before joining the highway at Mugeka market.

Mbaria Mwangi, an elder, said that the goats, among other requirements, are required for the traditional ritual as it happened close of the Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga shrine in Gakuyu village.

"Approximately Sh200,000 are required to facilitate the ritual before the tree is removed," said Mwangi, adding that when a Mugumo tree falls on its own, it is considered a powerful spiritual sign among the Kikuyu community.

Murang'a East Deputy County Commissioner Charles Murithi said he has contacted KeNHA Central Region office on the incident, seeking clearance of the major road connecting Murang'a, Nyeri and Laikipia.

Murithi, who visited the scene, said there were no injuries reported, as he called on motorists to use other routes and avoid the section.

The administrator added that the local elders resisted the removal of the mugumo trees from the road before a ritual ceremony was conducted.

"We have reported the matter awaiting KeNHA to assess the situation of the road, as the Kikuyu elders prepare for their tradition," said Murithi.

Gaturi MCA Gathee wa Njeri said the mission to remove the tree from the road was complicated after the elders issued demands.

"As the tradition demands, the elders must perform a traditional ceremony before the removal of the tree," said the MCA.