The institution of Kithitu and question of human justice among the Akamba

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Periodical article

Title:	The institution of Kithitu and question of human justice among the Akamba
Author:	Ndeti, K.
Year:	1971
Periodical:	Journal of Eastern African Research and Development
Volume:	1
Issue:	1
Pages:	69-76
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Kenya
Subjects:	Kamba customary law criminal law
Abstract:	Describes the process and content of the Kithitu ritual and its relevance in the Akamba social structure. Kithitu, which means 'principal source', i.e. that from which everything else proceeds, is a sort of amulet, struck by the plaintiff if he takes the oath, and supposed to destroy the offending party. Kithitu, which has a wide application in the Akamba culture, is a powerful instrument of social control, insofar as not only the parties in direct conflict, but also the lineage is collectively affected, which promotes collective responsibility. Besides this, Kithitu acts as a reductive element of swindle in many legal cases. Notes, ref.