The Eternity of Uoi (Witchcraft) In Ukambani
Date
1998-02
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tangaza University College
Abstract
Witchraft is a subject which has been discussed by many scholars of African
culture. However, for us we have undertaken to investigate what it is, who practises it,
and finally why bother about it? This we have done by having a case study of Matuu
parish of Machakos diocese. The people under study are Akamba, both Christians and
non Christians.
In Pastoral Psychology we came to realize that witchcraft is one of the
problems or issues that confront the pastor in his pastoral ministry. This is true also of
pastors working in Machakos diocese. We hence thought it is an important subject
which needs a careful study and a critical analysis in order to address it properly.
Throughout this long essay/project, we have come to realize that not every Mukarnba
is a witch and that witchcraft affects Christians and non Christians alike, and so a cause
for our concern. We have also come to realize that witchcraft cannot be eradicated by
a pastor preaching against it, more is required in terms of catechesis and open dialogue
between the Catholic Church and the local culture.
It has become clear to us that riches or economy has its part to play in this
phenomenon. This then reminds us that what we are dealing with here is more than we
often read about witchcraft in books.. Witchcraft is the power that counters the good
in society, that is, good life and prosperity, and as we have found out, it cannot be
narrowed to a clear definition. The more we have tried to understand it, the more
mysterious it has become. We have also found out that it is an eternal phenomenon
always taking new forms as the society takes new forms of development. In our
research we have found out that the Akamba have a clear distinction between a witch
and a priest less doctor and whoever has to work in this society as a pastor has to be
aware of this distinction if he has to address the phenomenon of witchcraft effectively.
The two are opposed to one another in theory and practice.
Description
Keywords
Origins of Uoi, Witchcraft, Church, Economy and witchcraft, Secretive Phenomenon