In a historic and deeply symbolic gathering, elders from the Sabaot community convened at Cheptais to perform a traditional cleansing ritual that had been postponed for over a century. Initially scheduled to occur 100 years after 1892, the ritual was delayed, but its significance remains profound.
Peter Chemaswet, the lead elder, recounted the origins of the ritual, explaining that in 1892, a violent clash between the Sabaot and the Gishu communities in Uganda resulted in multiple deaths. The victims were buried in Cheptais, at a site now known as the “Fort.” In the aftermath, the community’s elders decreed that a cleansing ceremony would be essential to break the cycle of bloodshed and restore peace among different communities.
The ceremony, marked by the slaughtering of four bulls and three goats, was conducted with great reverence. Chemaswet emphasized that the meat from the animals was consumed during the event, and none was allowed to be taken away, underscoring the importance of the ritual. Additionally, a traditional hut was constructed using culturally significant materials. This hut, with a single entrance, served as the venue for consuming local brew, an integral part of the cleansing process.
The ritual also provided a platform for local leaders to advocate for peace and unity. Wilberforce Kisiero, the second Member of Parliament for Mount Elgon, used the occasion to call on the president to consider appointing a member of the Sabaot community to a ministerial position, noting that the community has qualified individuals ready to serve.
Former Deputy Speaker Jane Chebet also addressed the gathering, advocating for the establishment of a separate county for Mount Elgon. She argued that such a move would empower the Sabaot community, allowing them to achieve greater independence and self-determination. Chebet further urged leaders to actively participate in preserving their culture, lamenting that many children in the community are no longer familiar with the names of plants, animals, and other traditional knowledge in the Sabaot language.
This significant event serves as a reminder of the deep cultural roots of the Sabaot community and their ongoing efforts to maintain peace and preserve their heritage.
