The sacred caves of Njoro River

By Eric Sindabi
From Nakuru town we drive towards Egerton University along Mau-Narock road and at the main gate, we enquire about Njokerio village from where we are to locate the “sacred caves” .From our prior knowledge Njoro river that sources in the disputed Mau forest complex escarpment is famed as key to the survival of Lake Nakuru and for the famed Flamingo birds. Environmentalists in recent research reports believe however that the river is threatened further apart from the destruction of Mau forest, but also by the increased human pressure on the water body.

Sacred caves
We request for a cup of water and a plate of githeri at a food kiosk on the banks of the river while taking an opportunity to ask questions about the “sacred caves”. According to locals, a couple of years ago a man by the name Waiganjo Njoroge discovered that some caves located at a section of the bushy Rocky River banks in the village were to be treated with holiness. For more than a month, Waiganjo who had taken refuge in the caves stayed in solitude fasting and praying. The sources said that the man later became a religious leader and up to date locals regard the vicinity as sacred (Nyumba ya Mungu) and dare not temper with the vicinity.
Our sources divulged that local religious group and individuals who come for pilgrimage meditations maintain the caves. The site also attracts nature lovers and tourists in Njoro. According to the locals the caves were long ago used by runaway Mau Mau freedom fighters as hide outs. To archaeologists the caves were part of the historical settlement sites in the Rift valley.
Archaelogy
Apart from the well known Njoro Cave near the source of the river little has been said about other numerous rocky formations that dot the banks of the river. Never the less these original homes of man, the forms of volcanic rocks fused with riparian vegetation are a site to behold. In the late 1930’s Mary Leaky a renown then Kenyan based Archaeologist excavated stone age blades,beads,and vessels at Njoro Cave.To date Njoro river is one of the world famed archaeological sites, depicting the lives of historical societies.

Freedom
A narrow bushy path from the village leads to the river bank where the “sacred caves” are located adjacent Buru buru hostels of the University on the other side of the river basin. The vicinity is dark from shadows of tall riverside trees and bushes. Humble waterfalls sounds keeps the holy caves company makes memories live on.
At least three caves have been re-structured and are a destiny to wondering souls.
A signboard mounted on a tree reads-“SACRED PLACE…..You will know the truth and the trueth will set you free”. A wooden Cross stands beside the entrance of another cave with inscriptions quoted from the New Testament’s book of Romans chapter six verse twenty three.-“The wages of sin is death but the gift of life is internal life in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
We push open the wooden enclosure on the entrance of one of the caves and explore the interior vicinity. The cave measures about three meters in diameter its walls naturally curved. The floor has been preserved with wood chips and at one corner is a wooden stand containing a candle stand, a match box, a paraffin lamp and an aging New Testament Bible copy. Next to the holy book is a small yellow manila paper with inscriptions in Swahili language quoted from the book of psalms that read in part; Kwa kua bwana Mungu ni jua na Ngao .Bwana ata toa neema na utukufu.Hata wanyima kitu chema hao waendao kwa ukamilifu.9(For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give good thingsto those who walk uprightly.)Psalms 84; 11…….Malaika wa bwana huwazunguka wamu chao na kuwaokoa.(The angel of The Lord encamps all around those who fear him,and delivers them)Psalms 34;7.
For a nature lover and to those who value solitude ness the “sacred caves” of Njoro River are ideal places. Villagers say that the site attracts various Christian prayer festivities of different denominations in the region, local nature lovers and tourists. The so called sacred caves indeed leave much behind to be desired and add more feathers on the fame that is Njor River.As one seats peacefully in the hollow rocky structures, the serene secret riverside neighborhood makes one feel awesome about Mother Nature. However the ultimate wonder remains-The untold story of the site.