Murang'a: Rehabilitation of Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga shrine is being considered by the Murang'a County Government as a crucial investment to boost tourism revenue in the region. The shrine, situated in Gaturi Ward and believed to be the birthplace of the Agikuyu community, has fallen into neglect and disrepair.
According to Kenya News Agency, the shrine once hosted numerous traditional activities, including sacrifices, prayers, and the crowning of elders, but its structures are now deteriorating. Local residents lament that the decline in shrine activities has adversely affected their ability to sell farm produce, which was previously boosted by visitors to the site.
Mary Wanjiku, a local resident, recalled the shrine's vibrant past, particularly in the 1980s and 90s, when it was a hub of activity with regional elders conducting prayers and cultural rituals. She expressed support for the shrine's rehabilitation, believing it would attract both local and international tourists, thereby revitalizing the local economy.
Peter Kamau echoed Wanjiku's sentiments, emphasizing that proper management of the shrine could aid in preserving the cultural practices of the community. He voiced concern that future generations might lack a cultural center for learning if the shrine remains neglected.
In the late 1980s, plans by the defunct Murang'a Municipal Council to develop a multimillion-shilling building at the shrine, including a hotel, museum, and theater, were halted after objections from elders concerned about maintaining the shrine's sanctity.
The Murang'a Investment Conference has highlighted the shrine as a key investment opportunity to promote tourism and economic growth. Manoah Gachucha, County Executive Committee Member for Culture and Tourism, affirmed the county's commitment to revamping the shrine to attract tourists and preserve cultural heritage.
However, opposition has arisen from some elders, led by Kiama Kia Ma Chairman Mwangi Njuguna, who argue that they were not consulted on the proposal. They insist the shrine should remain a cultural learning center and museum, preserving traditional artifacts without external development.
In response, Gachucha assured that the county's intentions are not to defile the shrine but to enhance it for the community's benefit. He promised that no development would proceed without agreement between the elders, who are custodians of the shrine, and potential investors.