Fall of sacred tree sparks fears of bad omen in Central Kenya

Residents at the site where a three-century-old sacred tree fell in Nyeri yesterday. The Kikuyu believe the fall is a sign that something will befall the country or the community. [PHOTO: KIBATA KIHU/STANDARD]

A sacred tree thought to be about 300 years old came crashing down in Nyeri Monday, prompting talk of a bad omen among residents.

While other communities may not be bothered when such a tree falls, to the Kikuyu, the falling of the Mugumo (fig tree), which was considered sacred in the past, is a bad omen for the community.