Ngai (Mwene Nyaga)

supreme-deity · Kenya · East Africa

Ngai, also called Mwene Nyaga ('Possessor of Brightness') and Mogai ('the Divider'), is the supreme creator god of the Kikuyu (Agikuyu). He dwells on the peak of Kirinyaga (Mount Kenya) and manifests in the sun, moon, rain, thunder, and rainbow. Worship centers on sacred high places and the mugumo (fig) tree, and he created the first parents, Gikuyu and Mumbi.

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