DSpace Repository

Persistence of Traditional Oathing among Kamba Christians in Machakos County

Show simple item record

dc.contributor.author Muliro, Monica Nasambu
dc.date.issued 2016-02
dc.date.accessioned 2021-04-19T06:42:40Z
dc.date.available 2021-04-19T06:42:40Z
dc.identifier.uri http://41.89.96.81:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2432
dc.description.abstract This study examined the persistence of traditional oathing (kithitu) among Kamba Christians in Machakos County, Kenya. It further examined circumstances under whichkithitu is practised, ways in which kithitu is practised, extent of reliance on kithitu, and Christian teachings on oathing. The theory of functionalism guided by the reconstruction theology motif was applied in the study. This studywas conducted as a qualitative case study in Machakos Town Sub- CountybetweenMarch 2015 and May 2015. The target population was Kamba Christians in Machakos County. Purposive sampling was done among the Kamba Christians from Mainstream churches, and those who participated were selected using snowball sampling technique. Informants identified through this sampling procedure werethen subjected to interview schedules to provide primary data for the study. Primary data was collaborated and supplemented with secondary data collected from various libraries. The data collected was edited, coded and classified according to the objectives of the study. This data was then analyzed and presented using summary tables.Finally, the thesis was written in line with the research objectives and questions. The study found out that kithitu is an oathused as a last option in conflict resolution to punish wrongdoers.It is administered either through a kithitu ritual expert or personally. However, local administrative leaders warned that the use of kithitu is illegal and criminal. The study discovered that there are several ways kithitu is practised. The extent of reliance on kithitu is mainly influenced by the benefits it offers at both the individual and communal level. The studyfound out that the Mainstream Churches generally forbid the use of kithitu, though some are silent about it. Despite the churchesbarring their followers from oath-taking,the study found out from the Bible and other Christian sources that the practice is allowed although not every oath or vow is legitimate. From the findings, the researcher concluded thatseveral factors contribute to the persistence of kithitu: African Traditional Religion (ATR) being pragmatic; kithitu has a modern meaning; continuity ofsome African traditional beliefs and practices;failure of the Church and government in addressing existential problems; and the oral traditions surrounding kithitu.The researcher consequently recommendedfor a reconstructive study of ATR beliefs and practices as one main source of doing AfricanChristian theology. en_US
dc.language.iso en en_US
dc.publisher Egerton University en_US
dc.title Persistence of Traditional Oathing among Kamba Christians in Machakos County en_US
dc.type Thesis en_US


Files in this item

This item appears in the following Collection(s)

Show simple item record

Search DSpace


Browse

My Account