Waiyaki Way fig tree
The old fig tree at Waiyaki Way in Nairobi, Kenya is noted for its cultural significance.[1] Locally known as mugumo[2], the tree is described to be four-storeys tall[3] and is believed to be at least a century-old.[4]
In October 2020, the Kenya National Highways Authority announced plans to transplant the tree to give way[3] to the construction of the Nairobi Expressway, a four-lane highway funded by the government of China.[1] This led to a campaign by environmentalists in a bid to keep the tree in its current location unscathed.[3] Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta head to the calls an issued a decree to guaranteeing the protection of the tree.[5] The tree will be adopted by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services and the highway projecy will be rerouted.[3]
The fig tree is considered as sacred by the Kikuyu.[5] Mugumu trees, including the Waiyaki Way tree, are traditionally used as a shrine or place of worship. Cutting down mugumu trees is taboo in Kikuyu culture.[4] During droughts, prayers are often made at the base of the tree to encourage rain.[2]
References
- ^ a b Dahir, Abdi Latif (11 November 2020). "In Kenya, a Cherished Fig Tree Gets a Reprieve". The New York Times. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
- ^ a b "Kenya spares sacred fig tree from destruction". Africanews. 13 November 2020. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
- ^ a b c d "Joy in Nairobi as plan to uproot iconic fig tree abandoned". Al Jazeera. 11 November 2020. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
- ^ a b "Viewpoint: Why Kenya's giant fig tree won over a president". BBC News. 30 November 2020. Retrieved 30 December 2020.
- ^ a b "Kenya's president issues decree to save century-old fig tree from Chinese-funded highway". Global News. reuters. 14 November 2020. Retrieved 30 December 2020.