Kenyans on social media have been impressed after a video emerged of Americans reciting the traditional Kikuyu prayer, “Thai Thathaiya Ngai Thai" (Worship and exalt God).
Kenyans impressed by this video of Americans reciting Kikuyu prayer “Ngai Thai”
Kenyan prayer used in Black History month
Kenyans impressed by video of Black Americans reciting Kikuyu prayer “Ngai Thai”
Recommended articles
The video was posted by a group of African Americans as a celebration of Black history month which started on 1st of February and will go on till 28th of February.
The Black History month celebrating the culture of Africans in the diaspora and in reconnecting with their motherland – Africa.
Kenyans impressed by this video of Americans reciting Kikuyu prayer “Ngai Thai”
Pulse Live Kenya
ADVERTISEMENT
One group, referring to itself as Mount Kenya Prayer ark wrote a prayer inspired by the traditional Kikuyu religious practices where they pray facing the Mt Kenya.
The prayer also includes the phrase “Thai Thathaiya Ngai Thai” which denotes praise and exaltation in Kikuyu language.
The Mt Kenya prayer group said the prayer is referred to as St Michael, an African American who came up with the idea after visiting Africa,
“We have broken silence to intervene with global matters by summoning the African Diaspora to perform the ancient ritual at the mountain through the Mt Kenya Prayer Walk.”
ADVERTISEMENT
“The 12 Seers are the ancient "Crisis Intervention Team" of the African tribal society who watch the stars and nature in order know of impending danger. They also guard the ancestral knowledge and artifacts (Ancient Scrolls and Tablets) passed down for thousands of years,” the group says on their website.
Wanja Michuki
Wanja Michuki participating in Mt Kenya Prayer Walk in 2018
Pulse Live Kenya
Former Cabinet Minister John Michuki’s daughter, Wanja Michuki, is one of those who have previously participated in the Mt Kenya Prayer Walk – a traditional ritual performed by Kikuyus in the pre-colonial period.
“My Journey of Fulfillment is a spiritual one and circumventing Mount Kenya and stopping in 7 places to pray facing the mountain was truly impacting and deep in a way I can’t quite explain with words. What I loved is that everyone offers their own personal prayers and so my communication with God energy, Ngai, the God of my ancestors (and Moses and Abraham) was personal and direct,” Wanja said of her experience last year.
ADVERTISEMENT
Here is the full prayer:
Thai Thathaiya Ngai thai
Today we have come
under the sun Facing Mt. Kenya
Together as one
ADVERTISEMENT
standing as one
chanting as one
Now let peace come
thru the power of one
let freedom come let healing come
ADVERTISEMENT
let unity come
to the black nation
for the slain ancestors
of the black nation
we'll never forget
ADVERTISEMENT
their devastation
the pain and the torture
the rape and the slaughter
for the sons and the daughters
of all the Maafa
ADVERTISEMENT
let justice come
when the earthquake come
when the waters come
protect the black nation
retribution come
ADVERTISEMENT
when the fires come
when the winds come
protect the black nation
break the control
of the chains of my soul
ADVERTISEMENT
from lies that were told
as we open the scrolls
Elders open the scrolls
Kenya open the scrolls
Generations behold
ADVERTISEMENT
now truth will unfold
let knowledge come
higher guidance come
understanding come
unto all nations
ADVERTISEMENT
12 elders come
chiefs and judges come
for the resurrection
of the power of one
let the black king come
ADVERTISEMENT
let the black queen come
for the resurrection
of the power of one
let us speak in one voice
to the beat of one heart
ADVERTISEMENT
let us live in one mind
hear this prayer divine
Thai Thathaiya Ngai
thai Thai Thathaiya Ngai thai
Thai Thathaiya Ngai thai
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: news@pulselive.co.ke
Next story
