The giant fig tree believed to be over 200 years old has become a hot and controversial subject of discussion among the Sabaot community.
Standing right at Toroso Primary School in Cheptais Sub-county, Mt Elgon Constituency, the famous tree is currently dividing residents with one sect asking the Government to have it uprooted while another sect want it untouched arguing that it is a tree just like any other and for environmental conservation purposes.
The sect that want the tree uprooted claim there were charms dug and placed under it forming the origin of misfortunes constantly befalling the area residents.
However, the second sect, opposing its uprooting led by Mt Elgon Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Fred Kapondi and County Commissioner Thomas Sankei claim concerns raised by most area residents have no authentic basis warning that the belief is cultic and its operationalization might lead to dire consequences.
Mos Ndiema, a resident of Mt. Elgon, who was summoned by Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and questioned over his alleged involvement in planning to incite unrest through traditional gatherings, has called on MP Fred Kapondi to stop politicizing the community’s traditions that existed 200 years even before he was born.
“I was called to record a statement, but I rejected the accusations. This has nothing to do with chaos or politics. The meetings I held with elders were solely focused on preserving our culture.” He said.
Ndiema who is aspiring to unsit Kapondi in the next general election further asked the Government to grant area residents the rare opportunity of doing away with the tree to reclaim their land.
“Kwa mfano shughuli ambayo ilikuwa tufanye leo (Friday) Kapondi anasema kuwa tuking’oa mkuyu yeye atakuwa ameondolewa mamlakani, alikuwa wapi miaka mia mbili iliyopita?”Ndiema posed.
Speaking to the media, area residents expressed their views while calling for immediate intervention on the fig tree that continues to brew rift among them.
“Nikaambiwa kuna vitu viliwekwa chini na ndiyo inaleta shida Mlima Elgon. Hata mimi nilipoteza mume kwa hiyo njia ya laana,” Wilbroda Kironget claimed.
Eric Sakong, another resident on the other hand called for public uprooting under the watch of everyone in an effort to salvage their beloved area.
“Wale koo mbili wanatusaidia kuweka amani kwa kutoa vitu ziliwekwa 200 years back na si eti ni kitu inafichwa, inatolewa kila mtu akiona,” Erick Sakong urged.
As security remains heightened in the region due to conflicting views about the fig tree, the main question remains: is the tree responsible for the poverty and famine affecting residents, or is it just like any other tree?
