Women as Oathing Administrators
The role of women as oathing administrators was the ultimate break of the
traditional oath practice. The role change was symbolic, showing that not only
were women able to take the oath which was forbidden in traditional society, but
they were also promoted to deliver the oath to men and other women. The
leadership change in the oathing practice was pivotal and represents the
inclusive evolution of the oath to accommodate the changes spreading
throughout Kenya. Women taking the lead as oath administrators required men
to accept women in this status which was a break from the normal subordinate
roles.65 These women were conscious of new possibilities of women not just
being a part of oathing but being one of the leaders in the entire process. This
position signified a level of understanding and consciousness of traditions, how
to invoke the spirits, and a clear understanding of the oathing ceremonies. It is
not clear how these specific oathing women were selected and why. However,
the role was one of leadership showing that the passion of the unified movement
was much more important than the issue of gender.
“Passive Wing” Supporter36
When asked about the role of women in Mau Mau, most interviewees
focused on the role of Mau Mau women as supporters. The role supports their
desired image of female participants; it is by far easier to accept women wanting
65 Letter on Rights of African Women, April 17, 1958, states the traditional status of women as “second
place to men” and how these customs are being replaced by British law. KNA PC/Grassa/14/8 Document
15.
66 This term is again based on Cora Ann Presley. See Presley, Kikuyu Women, The Маи Май Rebellion,
130.
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