Matirî Ngemi: Recent Episodes
Matirî Ngemi
Matirí Ngemi is a podcast discussing, exploring and researching the Agikuyu culture, history and heritage.
Mûkami Kîmathi (1930 - 2023) was Dedan Kîmathi's wife, a mother and grandmother and was actively involved in the struggle for independence and played a significant role in supporting her husband's activities. She faced imprisonment and harassment from the British colonial authorities due to her involvement in the Mau Mau movement.
Field-Marshal Mûthoni wa Kîrîma (born 1931) is a retired top-ranking female fighter in the Kenya Land and Freedom Army of the Mau Mau Uprising in the 1950s. Few Mau Mau women became active fighters, and Muthoni is the only woman to have attained the Mau Mau rank of field-marshal. Please listen, enjoy and share!
- https://nation.africa/kenya/life-and-style/weekend/how-mukami-kept-kimathi-name-alive-over-the-years-4232706
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muthoni_Kirima
- https://www.youtube.com/live/OzKfTF_otPs?feature=share
- https://www.mathaga.com/products/kirira-kia-agikuyu-by-m-n-kabetu?_pos=2&_sid=5679af2b9&_ss=r
In this episode, we delve into the life and legacy of Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi Waciûri, a senior military and spiritual leader in Kenya's fight for independence from British colonial rule. As the leader of the Mau Mau Uprising, Kimathi galvanized the Kikuyu people with his passion, strategic acumen, and unyielding spirit. Despite being captured and executed in 1957, his contributions to Kenya's struggle for freedom continue to inspire generations. Join us as we explore the complex life of this anti-colonial revolutionary, whose actions and ideologies continue to shape discussions about independence, identity, and the ongoing process of decolonization. To learn more, please listen and share!
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dedan_Kimathi
- https://www.mathaga.com/products/dedan-kimathi-the-real-story-by-sam-kahiga?_pos=1&_sid=1195c2c80&_ss=r
- https://youtu.be/zbMtnoSd06Y
- https://youtu.be/Yz5jRjQJ6a4
Mûrathi Kairetu is a story of a girl who was a seer/prophet, who appears in the late 1940s. With special messages from "Ngai", she played a critical part in the resistance movement in Kenya. Little is known about or talked about her and her story is told in the book "Ûrathi wa Cege wa Kîbirû". To learn about her prophesies, listen and enjoy.
Resources:
- https://www.mathaga.com/collections/new-and-popular/products/urathi-wa-cege-wa-kibiru-by-d-kinuthia-mugia
- https://a.co/d/2mXrv7I
Harry Thuku (1895 – 14 June 1970) was a Kenyan politician one of the pioneers in the development of modern African Nationalism in Kenya. He helped found the Young Kikuyu Association and the East African Association before being arrested and exiled from 1922 to 1931. In 1932 he became President of the Kikuyu Central Association, in 1935 founded the Kikuyu Provincial Association, and in 1944 founded the Kenya African Study Union. He opposed to the Mau Mau movement.
Mary Muthoni Nyanjiru (Birth date unknown -died March 16, 1922) was a Kikuyu woman and a political activist remembered for leading the protest after the arrest of Harry Thuku, that resulted in her death. Muthoni Nyanjiru was born in Weithaga, Murang'a, although her date or year of birth are not recorded. By the time she was shot and killed in 1922, she lived in Nairobi with her stepdaughter, Elizabeth Waruiru.To learn more about them, please listen, enjoy and share.
Resources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Thuku
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Muthoni_Nyanjiru
- https://www.mathaga.com/products/history-of-resistance-in-kenya-by-maina-wa-kinyatti-1?_pos=5&_sid=521ea7921&_ss=r&variant=41273150341288
The story of Gaciî wa Kîhara is a story of courage and undying love for our land and our families; pride for who we are and what is ours. This is an epic story of the man, the legend, Gaciî wa Kihara. Please listen, enjoy and share.
Waiyaki Wa Hinga was a Mûthamaki who was a leader of Southern Gikuyu. A great man, a leader, a fearless warrior, a father of a large sub-mbarî, he was instrumental in sowing the seeds that would foreshadow and birth the resistance movement in Kenya. To learn about this great man, please listen, share and enjoy!
To learn more, click on the resources below:
- https://www.mathaga.com/products/muthamaki-waiyaki-wa-hinga-paperback-the-untold-story-by-njoroge-regeru
- https://artsandculture.google.com/entity/waiyaki-wa-hinga/m0hr7t39?hl=en
- https://nation.africa/kenya/life-and-style/dn2/122-years-later-family-seeks-hero-s-burial-for-waiyaki-wa-hinga-1020822
- https://nairobilawmonthly.com/index.php/2018/08/03/lawyer-traces-kikuyu-warrior-waiyaki-wa-hinga-to-maa-roots/
- https://youtu.be/BzF8PlEKBRc
Wang'ombe wa Ihûra was a legend of a man. A brave warrior, a leader and a chief. If it wasn't for him, the destiny of the Agîkûyû might be different today. Please listen, enjoy and share the story of this great legend.
Resources:
- https://app.box.com/s/1nk7m2yjwythef91hqmy9teafprfpqkw
- https://discover.hubpages.com/education/Chief-Wangombe-wa-Ihura
Wangu wa Makeri was a community chief, known as Headman, during the British colonial period in Kenya. She was the only female Kikuyu Headman during the period, who later resigned following a scandal because she engaged in a dance called Kibata.
Wangu wa Makeri was born around 1856 in Murang’a. She had no formal education; instead she worked on her parent’s farm as a labourer. To learn more about Wangu, please listen and share.
Below are some links to some resources:
- https://www.mathaga.com/products/wangu-wa-makeri-by-mary-w-wanyoika
- https://artsandculture.google.com/story/wangu-wa-makeri-the-story-of-the-fiery-kikuyu-chieftess/RgICpQ_bJ4-QLA
- Mûcûngwa: https://youtu.be/GV715ovKpxA
Mûgo wa Kîbirû is believed to have been born in Kariara, Murang’a near Thika somewhere between the 18th and the 19th centuries. He was a famous Gikuyu Seer and prophet. It is not known who his parents were. To learn more about Mûgo wa Kîbirû, please listen and share.
Below are some links to some resources:
- https://www.mathaga.com/products/urathi-wa-cege-wa-kibiru-by-d-kinuthia-mugia?_pos=4&_sid=0a4e7d8ec&_ss=r
- https://mukuyu.wordpress.com/2014/09/13/cege-wa-kibiru/
- https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/mugo-wa-kibiru-the-seer-kikuyu-community-shujaa-stories/qgEnNW7tf2iuIA?hl=en
In the final episode of the season, Waiyaki and Njeri reflect on their podcast journey through season one, bringing to light key themes from each episode. See you in season 2! Please enjoy and share.
In this episode, we talk about, at a very high level, the topics of single-parenthood, its causes in pre-colonial times and the resolutions for when it happened, for both a single mother who was going to get married, and one who wasn't going to get married. We also discuss how sexual education took place. We only scratched the surface in this discussion. To learn more, please research these topics by consulting with knowledgable elders in our community.
Listen, subscribe, share and enjoy the podcast!
In this episode, we continue to answer some of the questions that the listeners have asked. The broad topics that the questions cover are spirituality, esoteric knowledge, naming, social issues etc. Enjoy and share and give us feedback!
In this episode, we answer some of the questions that the listeners have asked. The broad topics that the questions cover are Ûthoni and Irua. We will continue to answer the other questions in the next podcast episode so stay tuned! Enjoy and share.
In this episode, we conclude our discussion on Agîkûyû philosophy of Ûthoni and Rûracio. Listen to episode 4 and 5 for parts I and II of the discussion if you haven't already. Enjoy, share and provide feedback.
We know there will be lots of questions on this topic, and other topics. In our next episode, we will focus on answering listeners questions; so send those in using our twitter, instagram and facebook. You can also email your detailed question to matiringemi@gmail.com
In this episode, we continue to discuss and explore Agîkûyû philosophy of Ûthoni and Rûracio. Listen to episode 4 for part I of the discussion if you haven't already. Enjoy, share and provide feedback.
References:
The Southern Kikuyu before 1903, Volume II by L.S.B. Leakey. (https://www.mathaga.com/collections/pre-colonial/products/the-southern-kikuyu-before-1903-by-l-s-b-leakey)
This podcast introduces the foundational terms and concepts of Ûthoni, Rûracio and Ûhiki. The aim of this discussion is to enable to listener to understand the Philosophy of marriage for the Mûgîkûyû, and how our forefathers thought about the process, and contrasting it with how we think about it today. This is Part I of the discussion. Enjoy, share and provide feedback.
In this episode, we discuss Irua, commonly referred to as circumcision. We discuss the history and philosophy of this very important stage in the life of a Mûgîkûyû. This discussion really is a primer for anyone who would like to research, learn and understand Irua, and its esoteric wisdom. Enjoy and share, and provide feedback.
Some resources on Irua: (Included are some of the songs that were/are sang during the Irua period)
https://mukuyu.wordpress.com/2017/11/08/gikuyu-foundational-teaching-for-initiates/
Songs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x5uu3HuFJc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5H_CD0_vdA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN8g29_uNrA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9ilRCG9yjk
In this episode, we discuss the relationship of the Gîkwa and the Mûkûngûgû as a metaphor for the family relationship between the man and the woman, and discuss at a high level the economy and talents of the pre-colonial Mûgîkûyû. To learn more, please read the following article thanks to Mûkûyû.
https://mukuyu.wordpress.com/2019/05/29/gikwa-na-mukungugu/
Enjoy and please give us feedback. Nî ngatho.
In this episode, we give a high-level overview and description of the Mûciî or Home of the Mûgîkûyû. We also discuss the importance of the Nyûmba and the Thingira. Ancestral land and inheritance, a very important and sensitive topic is also discussed. To learn more about the Mûciî, please click on the resources below:
https://mukuyu.wordpress.com/2011/09/18/mucii/
https://mukuyu.wordpress.com/2014/06/15/kikuyu-traditional-architecture-documented/
https://mukuyu.wordpress.com/2014/06/29/kikuyu-mans-abode/
https://mukuyu.wordpress.com/2014/11/09/thingira-2/
https://mukuyu.wordpress.com/2015/09/08/gikuyu-nyumba-sacred-geometry/
https://mukuyu.wordpress.com/2015/11/03/healing-instrument/
Enjoy and please give us feedback. Nî ngatho.
The season will open with a discussion on the overview of the Mûciî of the Mûgîkûyu, with an emphasis on the of the “Nyûmba”, and the importance of the “Thingira” in episode one. Episode 2 will follow on the heels of episode one, with an explanation of the duties of the Husband, wife, and children. Episode 3, Irua will be the focus discussion, and in episode 4, and 5, we will delve into Ûthoni, its meaning and importance and discuss Rûracio and Ngurario. To follow up this all-encompassing topic of marriage, we will discuss Mîruru in Episode 7. In Episode 6, we will have a Q&A session, based on the topics we have discussed so far. In Episode 8, we will go discuss Kîrumi, Mûgiro and Thahu. We will conclude the season, by discussing and translating a Gîkuyu Prayer in detail in episodes 9 and 10. Hope you learn and enjoy!
In the final episode of the season, Waiyaki and Njeri reflect on their podcast journey through season one, bringing to light key themes from each episode. See you in season 2! Please enjoy and share.
In this last episode of the 3 part trilogy, Waiyaki and Njeri continue the conversation with Ciku and King'ori as they dissect the Stages of life of a Mugikuyu in the last 3 stages of a Mugikuyu's life. Please enjoy and share.
In Part II, Waiyaki and Njeri continue the conversation with Ciku Gachugi and King'ori Kanyi as they dissect the Stages of life of a Mugikuyu, and explore and discuss topics such as ear piercing (gutonywo ndugira), warriorhood, motherhood and other aspects of the vibrant culture Agikuyu culture before colonization, Listen, share and give us feedback.
In this episode, Waiyaki and Njeri are joined by very special guests Ciku Gachugi and King'ori Kanyi. They explore and discuss the way of the Mugikuyu before colonization and contrast it with the post-colonial era. They also deepen the conversation further on the first two stages in the life of a Mugikuyu. Please enjoy.
In this podcast episode, Waiyaki and Njeri introduce ethical principles that the Mugikuyu aspired to live by (and should aspire to live by even today) and the stages that a man and a woman go through throughout their life.
To learn more about Agikuyu ethics, please read the book "African Ethics, Gikuyu Traditional Morality" by Mutigaire Hannah Wangeci Kinoti.
In this episode, Waiyaki and Njeri tackle 8 key common questions that the listeners had asked. These questions span a broad variety of topics and represent what has been on the listeners minds after listening to the previous podcast episodes.
Even before colonization, the Agikuyu were a deeply spiritual people who believed that the physical life continuously intertwined with the afterlife.
In this episode, Waiyaki and Njeri are joined by King'ori wa Kanyi, to explore the Agikuyu spiritual beliefs on God, self, community and the afterlife.
To learn more about Iri and Iriri, look for the books African Ethics by Hannah Wangeci Kinoti, and Mutigairi na Iriri (1937), and Mwendwoniri na Iriri (1937) by Justin Itotia wa Kimacia.
Muratina is an important and sacred aspect of the Agikuyu culture. Yet, over time, its true meaning has been misunderstood and its purpose watered down (pun intended) to that of an illicit brew.
In this episode, Waiyaki and Njeri discuss the spiritual meaning, purpose and intention of the use of Muratina, according to the Agikuyu culture and traditions.
Religion and spirituality have always been a central part of the Agikuyu culture. In this episode, Waiyaki and Njeri discuss pre-colonial Agikuyu traditions and ethics, and contrast it with modern day practices.
Ref. The Decline of Spiritual Authority in Gikuyu Traditional Religion - Dr. Peter Kiarie Njoroge
Once you see and understand the true spiritual power and meaning behind Ngemi, (ululations) you will never say or hear them the same, again. Our heritage is rich and deep.
In this Episode, Waiyaki & Njeri begin with a conversation about the bigger purpose of birth and children to the Agikuyu. They then have a provocative discussion about the 5 sacred and spiritual meanings behind Ngemi (ululations.) We close with perspective on the importance of naming and how the Agikuyu named their children.
Join us, enjoy and share widely.
Ref. The Southern Kikuyu before 1903 by L.S.B Leakey Vol II
This first podcast details the origin story of the Agikuyu, the clans and some of their characteristics, and informs the listener on how to find out about their lineage. Enjoy.