The Fig Tree Covenant
When Ngai created Gikuyu and showed him the land, he made a sacred covenant beneath the wild fig tree (Mukuyu). Ngai said to Gikuyu: 'Descend from my home and establish your homestead among these fig trees. Whenever you are in need of me, make a sacrifice upon this tree and raise your hands to Kirinyaga, and I, the Possessor of Brightness, will come to your aid.' This covenant established the fig tree as a sacred altar where the Kikuyu communicate with Ngai. The elders offer sacrifices of meat, blood, and beer beneath its spreading branches, and these ceremonies mark every major life event — b