Abstract:
The main aim of this study was to examine the traditional perception of sin
among the Abakuria people of Kenya, with the objective of presenting a holistic
Christian witness that will meet the spiritual needs of these people. In order to achieve
this goal, research was carried out in this community by focusing on the Abakuria
traditional views of sin, the causes of sin as perceived by the Abakuria, and the
traditional methods used to deal with sin whenever it occurs.
The research was a qualitative study, and data was collected primarily through
ethnographic interviews with selected participants among the Abakuria people.
Questionnaires were also used to capture the general understanding of sin in this
community.
A keen analysis of the Abakuria cultural worldview regarding sin revealed the
following observations:
To begin with, the Abakuria like most African societies acknowledge the
existence of sin. This acknowledgement is demonstrated by the terms and local
phrases they use to describe sin/an offensive act. The research revealed that two terms
iriraga and umugiro are used to describe sin. An examination of the two words
revealed that sin has two dimensions at least according to Abakuria. While sin on one
hand offends the divinity (ancestral spirits, spirits and ghosts), it also hurts and spoils
relationships.
Secondly, the Abakuria people categorize sins. There are those termed as the
most horrible sins, there are terrible sins but can be put aright and there are also minor
offences. The most horrible sins include murder, witchcraft and incest. The second
category has sins like adultery, physically assaulting one's parent, and rape. The third
category consists of sins such as lying, stealing foodstuffs, bitterness and greedy.
Thirdly, this research discovered that the Abakuria people believe sin is
caused by three forces; angry ancestors, influence from witchcraft and inheritance
from parents.
Fourthly, it was discovered that Abakuria deal with sin promptly whenever it
occurs. The major means of dealing with sin in this community is through animal
sacrifices. Sacrifices are meant to appease angry ancestors and other deities so that
curses and other forms of punishment will not befall the living. Another form of
dealing with sin in this community is by publicly shaming the wrongdoer and making
him/her compensate the offended party. However, the first category, the most horrible
sins do not have a solution except by killing the victim or totally excommunicating
him/her from the society.
The findings of this study raised several implications for missions in the
continent of Africa and more so among the Abakuria community, for which
appropriate recommendations have been made. The recommendations are intended to
provide both theoretical and practical platform for the development of sound mission
strategies. These mission strategies will go a long way in helping Christian witnesses
to present a relevant and holistic gospel among the abakuria people.
