Photo Credit Martin Wanjohi
Nestled in the heart of East Africa, stood the majestic Mount Kenya, a towering peak that reached towards the heavens. Its snow-capped summit glistened under the African sun, captivating the hearts and imaginations of all who beheld its magnificence.
The mountain was not just a mere geological wonder; it held a significant place in the folklore and traditions of the local communities that surrounded it. The Kikuyu people, in particular, regarded Mount Kenya as a sacred place, believing it to be the dwelling place of their god, Ngai.
Legend had it that Ngai created the mountain as a testament to his power and majesty. It was said that when the world was still young, Ngai decided to bless the earth with a place where he could communicate with his people. Thus, Mount Kenya was formed, rising high above the plains below.
The Kikuyu people revered the mountain, considering it a sacred conduit between the spiritual and physical realms. They believed that climbing its peaks and communing with Ngai would bring blessings, guidance, and protection. It was a journey that required not only physical strength but also a deep reverence for the spiritual significance of the mountain.
The population of the kikuyu people and Kenya in general started increasing leading to migration and tribal interaction. The present-day Mount Kenya region is not only inhabited by the kikuyu tribe but it has become one of the metropolitan regions in Kenya where anybody can settle. The Mountain is no longer snow-capped. The then dense sacred forests are now fragmented small chunks of forest dominated by bare land turned into agricultural lands used for subsistence and commercial crop farming to cater for the growing demand for the food production. The habitats of the wild animals such as Elephants, Rhino, Primates among other animals were destroyed. The animals now roam in the remaining small protected areas and often cross into human settlement areas leading to human-wildlife conflict one of the key things that has led to the decline in number of some of the wild animals.
Ontulili Primates Protection is among the many organizations formed to restore the lost glory and champion for the restoration of the ecosystem around Mount Kenya Region by advocating for the growing of the indigenous trees and sustainable agricultural practices which would lead to the restoration of wild animal habitats and pasture/food hence mitigating the human-wildlife conflict significantly.
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