The kin͠gnoli custom is also known among the Kikuyu, who call it mwinge. The Hon. C. Dundas states that the procedure in Kikuyu is practically the same as that in Ukamba except that the near relative of the accused, whose consent to the execution is [[238]]essential, had to carry it out by strangling the convicted person.
Another important point is that any person giving evidence against a tribesman being tried under this law had to make his charges on the kithito or kithathi which is one of the most potent oaths. [[239]]
CHAPTER III
CEREMONIAL OATHS
The Kithito of Ukamba.—This is the most powerful oath recognised by the tribe, and is common to all sections of the Kamba; it corresponds to the kithathi of the Kikuyu. The apparatus for the oath is made by medicine men. Secret medicines are placed in the horn of a buffalo or hartebeest, a hippo tusk, or on the bottom end of a small ivory tusk. There is usually one in each district, and it is always in the possession of a particular elder; in many cases, they have been bought from the makers, who reside in either Mumoni or Tharaka country. All over the world the idea that better medicine can be obtained from a distance than at home seems to exist; even in England, people in the provinces have unbounded faith in the London specialist.
Some of these kithito are undoubtedly of great age, and are handed down through many generations. The kithito must always be kept away from the village, as it might harm the inmates; it is generally hidden away in a cavity in the rocks. It is carried about in a small pot or a basket, being very dangerous to handle; the original owner or his son, if he has been taught, can handle it by observing certain precautions, but no one else. An unmarried man cannot possess a kithito.
The writer once witnessed the administration of a kithito oath near Machakos at Mathendú’s. The gathering was a very large one, and elders from all [[240]]parts of the district were present, all the various clans being represented. It was an occasion of some importance, the object of the gathering being for representative elders from each council to swear upon the kithito to conduct their councils and the internal government of the district upon proper lines and to afford the local councils due support.
The congregation of elders, which probably numbered some five hundred, sat round in a large circle on the hill-side; in the centre were a few of the senior chiefs and elders from each clan and the elders chosen to officiate. The first proceeding was for an elder to march round the outside of the whole circle with the kithito, which was suspended by a string; after this, all the persons included in the circle were subject to the effects of the oath. The kithito was then brought into the centre of the circle and deposited on a branch of the acacia tree, kisumi.
As far as could be seen the contents of the kithito were as follows: