This archive report was first published on 19 June 2020.
On June 19, 2020, a dawn ceremony in Nandi, Kenya, sparked a debate about cultural traditions and their intersection with religion. Deputy President William Ruto was reportedly blessed, crowned, or cleansed by Nandi elders of the Talai clan.
As the world grapples with the legacy of slavery and colonialism, there is a growing movement to reclaim and celebrate African cultural heritage. Internationally, activists are calling out symbols of slave traders and their memorabilia, recognizing the harm caused by these relics.
It is in this context that the Talai elders' ceremony raises important questions about cultural traditions and their relationship with religion. While it is true that rituals are a series of activities performed to a certain purpose, it is also essential to acknowledge that cultural traditions have their own unique practices and symbols.
Retired Anglican Canon James Baasi's explanation that the ceremony was not witchcraft or a ritual is unnecessary. The fact remains that it was a ritual, and rituals are an integral part of cultural traditions. The consecration of bread and wine in a Catholic mass, for example, is a specific ritual that signifies the ceremony has taken place.
Similarly, in many Kenyan cultures, grandparents bless grandchildren by spraying milk on the children. These practices are not only meaningful but also an essential part of cultural identity. It is, therefore, disappointing to hear that Deputy President Ruto was handed a Bible during the ceremony.
The Bible is a deep philosophical book, but it is also a symbol of a specific religious tradition. When a Bible is introduced into a cultural ritual, it can cause confusion about whose traditions are being honored. Is it the Jewish people or the Nandi? The legendary Nandi Orokoiyot, Koitalel Arap Samoei, would likely be turning in his grave if he knew that his cultural traditions were being confused with Christianity.
Culture is dynamic and can borrow from other traditions, but cultural symbols cannot cross traditions. A priest or sheikh from the Nandi community cannot show up at a church or a mosque with a colobus monkey skin hat to offer a religious service, as symbols are not interchangeable.
It also raises the question of whether one can be a traditional elder and a Christian minister at the same time. Traditional elders are the keepers of customs of a certain community, while religious leadership defies the age set system and can be drawn from any culture or tradition.
Religious conversion is closely associated with slavery, cultural appropriation, and the looting and transfer of African heritage to the western world. These heritage are proudly stored and showcased in museums, but there is no reason for Africans to confuse what is left of their own traditions with religion.
While the world is trying to fight the memory battle for Africa, let us embrace our traditions without causing confusion. One can choose what rituals to apply as needed, depending on the intended impression, target audience, and desired results. If one chooses their culture, they are right. If one chooses their religion, they are right too.
