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The Kikuyu Council of Elders has dismissed accusations by some church leaders that their cultural traditions encourage alcohol use among the youth.
According to the elders, traditional brews such as Muratina are purely symbolic and reserved for rituals, not casual drinking.
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Speaking during a cultural event in Gatundu South, council chairperson Kariuki Kibathi cautioned that persistent criticism and misrepresentation of Kikuyu traditions could erode cultural values and sow division within the community.
“There is a misunderstanding from some church leaders that we encourage the youth to drink. Such views can harm the unity of our people,” Kibathi said.
He urged religious and cultural leaders to work together in guiding the community, stressing that elders fully understand their role as parents and moral guardians.
“We guide and protect our children to uphold moral values. The church should not condemn us but instead appreciate the role we play,” he added.
Elder Nderi Karanja also affirmed that the council respects the church and called for dialogue instead of confrontations.
“As elders, we are not in conflict with the church. We want harmony. Let us resolve issues through respectful discussions,” he said.
Karanja further advised young people against alcohol abuse, warning that illicit brews have ruined many lives. He appealed to the government to tackle youth unemployment, which he said fuels drug and alcohol abuse.
“If young people had jobs, they would be engaged and less likely to fall into alcoholism,” he noted.
Kiamwangi MCA Kung’u Smart Wanjiku also defended the elders, crediting them with mentoring youth and preserving cultural values.
“The elders guide and inspire young people while teaching them to live responsibly and uphold their heritage. Instead of criticizing them, we should work with them to improve the lives of our youth,” he said.
The leaders also expressed concern about the rising number of illicit brews in the area and urged chiefs and police officers to crack down on unlicensed sellers and manufacturers.
