Kiambu clerics reject animal sacrifices, say Jesus is solution

Church leaders in Kiambu county have shunned the Kikuyu tradition that requires a man to give the Council of Elders a sheep sacrifice to be considered mature.

Through the Kiambu County Clergy Forum, the clerics said, “We have church programmes where we train school children, youth, men and women on how to become useful members of society. No one has to make sacrifices to be considered mature.”

Forum chairman the Rev Macmillan Kiiru said clerics will continue to preach against making sacrifices, despite some elders being angry at them.

He said the issue of sacrifices was discussed by 70 clergymen and they resolved to preach against traditional offerings.

“Jesus Christ died for our sins and His blood is enough to cleanse us. Our faith tells us we do not need other sacrifices, especially traditional ones. We do not believe in domestic animal sacrifices to cleanse or make anyone a leader or elder. No,” Kiiru said.

He spoke in Limuru town on Tuesday. The cleric was accompanied by church secretary the Rev Ralph Chege and county coordinator Paul Kuria.

The clergymen urged Christians to avoid making sacrifices because “such activities have been overtaken by time.”

“We can take our prayers to God through His son Jesus. Sheep or any other animal should not be used. We believe in the Holy blood of Jesus Christ,” Chege said.

He said clergymen are praying for peace ahead of next year’s election.

Limuru Town Free Pentecostals Church pastor Peter Mungai criticised police for excessive use of force to disperse anti-IEBC protestors in Nairobi on Monday.

Mungai called for dialogue to resolve the stalemate. He urged all parties to accept the outcome after talks.