Persistence of Traditional Oathing among Kamba Christians in Machakos County

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.