A Documentary Film on Different ‘truths’ on Akamba Most Feared Oath

Abstract

Kithitu, the oath of the Ancients is a powerful and most fear Oath any man can take among the Akamba people of Kenya. This study on Kithitu investigated first, the origins of oath of justice and the mystery behind it. Second, when, why, who and how it was used, thirdly, it’s impact on social, cultural and economic being on the Akamba people and lastly, to find out if there is an exit plan in the event that it is struck. There are two main research methods that were employed to carry out this investigation, first, a questionnaire that was distributed to 10 individuals carefully selected based majorly on their in-depth understanding or practice of the Akamba traditions. Secondly, Interview sessions with four individuals who had an encountered with the oath in one way or another. These were the scholars who have done tremendous research on the Akamba traditions, the victims who suffered the wrath of the oath, the strikers who struck the oath of the ancients against someone and the administrator of Kithitu, who is believed to be a custodian of the oath of ancients. This research is geared towards documenting a very controversial and mysterious oath that played a key role in the Akamba justice system, in the hope that it may trigger a conversation on how justice system was applied among different tribes of Kenya and the way it shaped a society.