Who is Elders from Facing Mount Kenya; the Tribal Life of Gikuyu and what is their importance? Facing_Mount_Kenya;_the_Tribal_Life_of_Gikuyu English & Literature Elders | Facing Mount Kenya; the Tribal Life of Gikuyu

The elders are another important group of people to the Gikuyu. Eldership only occurs once a man is married, and this first stage is only preliminary. Once a man has a child old enough to be circumcised, he is considered eligible to be an elder. It is the elders who take care of the political lives of the people and who complete many of the rituals needed in the Gikuyu life. Elders are responsible for the rituals of land tenure, initiation, marriage, drought, famine, and all other important aspects of life. They are the respected members of society, and as such, are vital to the continued prosperity of the tribe.