This is the largest and the only sacred forest to the Digo community that is open to the visitors. When I mentioned about cultural identity; this is exactly what I referred to. The Kaya means a “home” among the nine Mijikenda tribes along the Kenyan Coast. However today, Kaya forests are regarded as sacred and abodes of the ances- tral spirits hence maintained by the council of elders. Spiritual rituals and traditional ceremonies are done there as well. Before entering the Kaya, there are set rules by the Kaya elders that everyone must adhere to.
Every one visiting the Kaya must tie black wraps around their waist (kaniki), remove your hats and head gear. Once in there; no kissing, caressing or even hugging. Holding hands is equally prohibited inside the forest. Nothing should be picked from the Kaya or dropped no matter how irrelevant it may appear. Failure to adhere, dire consequences may follow, as told by our guide Omar. Finally, remember that this is the home of their ancestral spirits and they should not be woken up before 8 am nor disturbed after 8p.m.!
Inside the Kaya you will find a variety of 140 indigenous tree species known for their rich medicinal values, among them the “Pimple tree” which is known as a fast cure for acne and all other skin inflammations. Our guide plucked some leaves which he asked us to smell; they have a very strong menthol flavor and they are used to treat flu and stubborn cough.
As if that is not all, you will also get to meet this wonder tree where you “submit” all your worries and fears by simply hugging the tree! Go ahead and try it! Most of the trees in there are over 600 years old and cutting any tree within the grove is prohibited.
There is a point where certain rituals and citations have to be declared upon you before passing there, and with no shoes. Such a place you are not allowed to take any photo or even a video for that matter, lest the gods of Kaya turn against you! Among other things in there are traditional house structures of the Mijikenda people which are palm thatched and bow shaped.
You are likely to see the Angolan Colobus monkeys and other species of monkeys, squirrels among other tree climbing crea- tures. What you need; modesty dressing while vis- iting the Kaya, and ensure that you abide by the dos and don’ts.
