Kikuyu Traditionalists Destroy Alleged LGBTQ Flag Hoisted Atop Mt Kenya in 2019

A group of Kikuyu traditionalists has destroyed a flag that was hoisted at the peak of Mount Kenya four years ago, claiming it represents the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community.

The group dubbed Booi wa Kirira Kia Mugikuyu raised funds for about a month to facilitate their journey atop the mountain to remove the flag that was placed there in 2019.

On Friday, a team of 10 climbers went up the mountain and returned on Sunday carrying the flag, which was later set on fire in Naromoru, Nyeri County. 

The event was followed up by cleansing rites by Kikuyu elders before the ashes from the burned flag were thrown into the river that flows to the Indian Ocean.

The group claimed the hoisting of the alleged LGBTQ flag on the top of Mt Kenya desecrated Kikuyu’s holiest shrine.

"It is an affront to Gikuyu spirituality, for members of this community to desecrate our Supreme Altar by raising their flag on Kīrīnyaga (Mt Kenya)," said Kimani Charagu, a founding member of Booi wa Kirira. 

"We were determined to bring the flag down and thereafter perform cleansing rites by our sages."

Murugu wa Kimari, who is the treasurer of Booi wa Kirira, said: "Our people should pause and ask themselves why all these bad things are occurring in the community, including unexplained killings almost on a daily basis.”

"This is a clear indication that Mwenenyaga is not happy with us,” he added.