The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) has sparked an outrage amongst congregants after denouncing a tradition practised by members of the Agikuyu Community.
The church’s governing council issued an order barring its members from partaking in the rite known as ‘kiama kia mburi’ which involves the slaughtering of goats in ceremonies where young men are ushered into eldership.
The practice offers advice to the young men about Kikuyu culture, marriage and community responsibility.
[caption caption="File image of Kikuyu elders carrying out the ritual"]
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In a statement on the church’s website, the General Assembly advised its members to stop participating in the practice as it propagates idol worship.
The church indicated that the practice where the goats are slaughtered for sacrifices and drinking traditional beer is highly unethical.
“The consequences of idol worship are very clear in the Bible. Christians will never have two Gods and thus the church distances itself from mburi cia kiama practice,” read the statement issued by the church.
The order deliberated by the Assembly during its general annual meeting on April 11 to 14 was communicated to all churches after the meeting.
It further indicated that those members who are not happy with the decision should feel free to quit the church.
Elders from the Mt Kenya region have described this decision as an attack on the Kikuyu culture.
This decision comes a week after a PCEA church in Thika prohibited a song known as geithia mundu (greet a person) which requires people to greet those seated next to them and indicate they love them.
The song was banned following an appeal by a section of its members claimed that the song can promote lust when people greet each other.
[caption caption="File image of PCEA Church Building"]
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