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

Mwene-Nyaga is the term for the God of the Gikuyu. Mwene-Nyaga is thought to live on Mount Kenya, which is why prayers are often directed toward the mountain. Mwene-Nyaga cannot be seen by mortals and takes little interest in the lives of man. However, when a family group, along with their ancestral spirits, presents a unified prayer to him, Mwene-Nyaga is likely to respond favorably. In fact, individuals are not allowed to directly speak with Mwene-Nyaga, but instead must speak through the family group. During ceremonies asking Mwene-Nyaga to relieve drought or famine, sacrifices of animals are often done.