Modern-day Meru sons and daughters residing in Kileleshwa and Karen may not have come across him, Kabaine aka Thûûthiû aka Ntonkûûrî aka Kaûma na ngoi.
His main duty as stipulated by the Amerucan Constitution is to conclude the good work done by the knife towards the end of the mandatory seclusion period after circumcision.
It is believed that Kabaine is not human, and possesses a number of supernatural powers.
However, drama unfolded at Muriri on December 30th after kabaine dressed in full regalia was arrested by police officers for harassing motorists.
Police officers attached to the Muriri Police Station were forced to arrest the ‘untouchable’ traditional man after their attention was drawn to his unbecoming behavior.
According to eyewitnesses, the man was harassing motorists at Muriri along the Meru-Maua highway, demanding that they give him ‘Christmas’ gifts.
While some laud the officers for protecting citizens during this festive season, many have a feeling that the arrest was unfortunate and disrespectful to the Ameru culture.
“Oh yes! These people have thought themselves on top of the world. In some instances, they force or lure boys whose families have a contrary view of traditional rituals of circumcision into running errands. I thank God! It’s a light shed to Tigania and Igembe,” says an anonymous Meru resident.
Another faction is of the opinion that the officers daringly infringed on the rights of respected Meru community members practicing their culture.
According to Miriti Emmanuel, the event is testimony that we are slowly killing our Meru heritage.
“They will blame the youth of poor conduct while they are bringing down the walls that hold respect and morals in our Meru culture. Gûti mbiji itiiri”,” says Miriti.
Munene Mwiti says the incident should be utilized to remind law enforcement agencies to respect cultural diversity.
“Our Culture is at great risk, I remember in Samburu, a Moran was arrested 2 months ago for not putting on the mask, the whole market was filled by morans with their full cultural lingerie, and power, They don’t entertain such Culture abuse. Police respect cultural diversity,” says Mr. Munene.
Mutembei suggests that the matter should be addressed by the Meru Council of Elders (Njuri Ncheke).
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