the oathing ceremony and during the activities in combat. It allows for the
reintegration of the oather into society while also protecting their environment.
This chapter has shown that the intersection of purification and oathing
systems is also an example of the complicated systems that work together to
sustain the society. What is clear from both oathing and purification systems is
that many Kenyan traditions were not destroyed by colonialism, but instead found
modern ways to emerge and to adapt to the environment. In all of this we see
African power and knowledge being continuously applied to control and manage
aspects of their environment, showing a consistent reliance, consciousness, and
reconstitution of old, valued traditions to accommodate modern societal needs.107
107 Question posed with 75% of respondents affirming “old rituals changed over time with values.” See
Appendix, Table 2.0, Kenya 2009 Survey Percentage Analysis.
227