Kikuyu Elders in Uasin Gishu Warn of Rising Drug Abuse Among Youth, Urge Parents to Reinforce Cultural Guidance During Festive Season

 

 

The Kikuyu Council of Elders in Uasin Gishu has issued a strong appeal to parents and community leaders to take active responsibility in guiding young people during the festive season, warning that the region is witnessing increasing cases of drug and substance abuse among the youth.

The call was made on Saturday during a colourful ceremony marking the successful completion of a traditional Kikuyu initiation rite for a group of young men—a practice that elders say is regaining popularity for its critical role in instilling discipline, cultural values, and moral responsibility.

Council Chairman Mwangi Wa Mwaniki emphasized that traditional teachings remain central in shaping responsible adulthood, especially at a time when modern influences and social pressures expose children to dangerous habits.

“This initiation is a vital part of Kikuyu tradition,” Mwangi said. “It is during this period that young men are taught values that guide them throughout life—respect, discipline, hard work, and the importance of shunning alcohol and drugs. In the Kikuyu tradition, young men were never allowed to drink alcohol. Only older men partook—and even then, only on special occasions. Today, alcohol, including illicit brews, is being abused by both the young and old. This is dangerous because we risk losing an entire generation.”

He expressed concern that the festive season often brings laxity among parents, with many young people left unsupervised, making them vulnerable to harmful behaviors such as drug abuse, crime, and risky sexual activity. Mwangi urged parents to use holidays as opportunities to mentor and bond with their children.

At the event, young initiates—dressed in traditional regalia—took part in cultural rituals symbolizing their transition into adulthood. Elders sang, recited oral traditions, and offered counsel on responsibility, leadership, community service, and the importance of honouring one’s heritage.

Mwangi noted that the resurgence of traditional initiation rites is a positive development that has contributed to nurturing more responsible young men.
“We thank parents who have chosen the revered Kikuyu initiation pathways for their children. Since we began this exercise, more families have been bringing their sons to us, and the number grows each year. This shows trust in our cultural systems and a desire to see our young men raised with dignity and strong values.”

Initiation Chairman Mbugua Wa Kimani clarified that the ceremony aligns well with modern religious teachings. He said that contrary to misconceptions, traditional rites do not contradict Christian principles, and many church-going families proudly participate as a way of preserving identity and cultural continuity.

 

“There is no conflict between this tradition and religion,” Mbugua explained. “We work closely with families from different denominations. The teachings we give—respect, honesty, self-control, service to community—are values shared across faiths.”

The celebrations also saw active participation from the Nyakinyua Women’s Group, a respected association of Kikuyu elder women known for their role in cultural preservation and mentorship of young girls. Their presence highlighted the importance of community-wide involvement in shaping youth character.

Nyakinyua chairlady Wanjiru Wa Irungu praised the elders for restoring discipline among young men and reinforcing positive behaviour within homes and communities.
“We thank our elders for helping reshape our homes through these important teachings,” she said. “As Nyakinyua women, we are here not only to witness this important transition but also to guide our young girls. We teach them what is expected of them as Kikuyu girls—how to carry themselves, care for their homes, uphold values, and one day build strong marriages when the time comes.”

Wanjiru clarified that unlike in the past, Kikuyu girls no longer undergo circumcision, emphasising that the community now focuses solely on mentorship, moral guidance, life skills, and emotional development.

Throughout the event, speakers emphasized the importance of safeguarding cultural practices that promote discipline, identity, unity, and moral grounding—especially at a time when many communities grapple with changing values and social pressures.

“Useful traditions should not be abandoned,” Mwangi said. “They help us maintain our identity and strengthen the future of our communities. If we do not guide our children, society will guide them—and often in the wrong direction.”

The Council called for collaboration between parents, elders, religious leaders, and local authorities to address the growing threat of drug abuse. They urged continuous mentorship and open communication within families to ensure young people remain grounded, confident, and culturally aware.

As the festive season approaches, the elders stressed the need for vigilance, reminding parents that shaping the next generation is a collective responsibility that cannot be left to chance.