Nairobi, Kenya (AP) – The latest opening of the latest Rastafari prayer place The capital of Kenyasome of the faithful gathered to sing rhythmic songs, read the Bible, and exchange teachings about the proper way of life.
An unusual event – opening a tabernacle made from wooden poles and roofed with iron sheets – shows the expansion of community in a country where Rastafari was not considered legal until recently. religion.
Things changed in 2019 when the court ruled in favor of a petitioner who cited discrimination when her school demanded she cut off her fears.
The student’s refusal to cut off her lock led to banishment from the school, but the High Court ruled that Rastafari was a legitimate religion to be protected and a ruling later upheld by the Supreme Court.
History of religion
Around the world, the faithful are known as the Rastafarians, and members of the movement, which began in 1930 with the Corner Crown of Rastafarian Mekkonen in Ethiopia, believe that Emperor Hale Ceracy I. Rastafarian was the final incarnation of Jesus in the Bible, and that many Rastafarians made pilgrimage to the African state during his reign. For the Rastafarians, Ethiopia was a symbol of pride in unbroken resistance to the colonists, Serassie was Ya and God was God.
Serassier was removed from power in the 1974 coup by the junta. He passed away a year later. However, the movement, inspired by his rise in power in Ethiopia, survives in countries ranging from the US to Ghana.
Religious minority in Kenya
The number of people identifying Rastafari in Kenya, a Christian and Muslim-controlled country, is unknown. Last month, at least 30 Rastafarians came to the opening of Luai’s tabernacle, about 25 kilometers (15 miles) east of Nairobi.
In Kenya, the movement is set under three “mansions” or branches: Nyabingi, Bobo Ashanti and 12 tribes of Israel. “Mansion” represents a small group of Rastafari people they meet to worship together. Unlike traditional places of worship, housed in permanent structures designed by architects, the Rastafari tabernacle is made of wooden rods, covered with iron sheets and decorated with unmistakable Rastafari colours of red, yellow and green.
Rastafarians around the world have a reputation for their unique afrocentric spirituality and are generally known to be peace advocates. They oppose oppression and are drawn to music and art. Jamaican reggae singer Bob Marley was the famous Rastafari.
There are challenges that include those caused by misconceptions about religion. All of East Africa, Rastafarians are often neglected and stereotyped to prohibited substances like marijuana. Known to Rastafarian as Ganja, Marijuana is an important item In a religious ritual.
Rastafarians shares experiences of practicing faith
The community is growing in Kenya and attracts mostly young people.
ng’ang’a njuguna, the elder of Rastafari at the Nyabingi residence in Kenya, describes Rastafari as not just a religion but a way of life.
“It’s a spiritual way of life,” he said. “That’s why we connect with nature, animals, and Rastafari is all about the spiritual world.”
Fedric Wangai, 26, is one of his newest members. He transformed with what he described as liberation from Western religion six years ago.
“I grew up in a Christian setup. I questioned my faith because the white people were created, the masters of my ancestors,” he said. “Growing up for me in that religion was very difficult for me because I believe it has led to a division among black people.”
Christine Wanjiru, 58, who became a Rastafarian in 1994, made her one of the oldest members of the community.
“There was a lot of stigma and discrimination against Rastafari at the time,” she said. “Most people didn’t see Rastafari as good or spiritual, from family to government to police, all rounds. But we endured and are here today.”
However, she added that since then, “more brothers have come to Rastafari after receiving this light.”
Ng’ang’a Njuguna, the elder of the Nyabingi residence, says the movement is growing primarily due to the interest of young Kenyans.
“They have that fire. They like the way the people of Rasta carry themselves, how the people of Rasta live,” he said. “Our diet, art, and skills.”
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Associated Press writer Rodney Muhumza, Kampala, Uganda, contributed to the report.
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Associated Press Religious Reporting is supported through the Associated Press collaboration With funding from Lilly Endowment Inc., the AP is in a conversation by taking sole responsibility for this content.
