The police intervention disrupted the meeting and sparked anger among the elders, who later turned to traditional rites to express their dissatisfaction.
In a symbolic act, they smashed traditional calabashes, a gesture rooted in Kikuyu customs and often associated with protest and condemnation.
In Kikuyu tradition, the breaking of calabashes signifies the rejection or destruction of an undertaking.
It is also believed to carry the weight of a curse, considered irreversible unless specific cleansing rituals are performed to reverse its effects.
Reacting to the incident, Wamuchomba dismissed the elders’ actions, stating that she does not fear the curses associated with the ritual.
She maintained that her position on the land matter remains unchanged and that she would not be intimidated by the symbolic act.
The dispute centres on the Githunguri Kia Wairera shrine land, which some leaders and residents say holds cultural and historical significance.
The proposal to allocate part of the land for an affordable housing project has drawn sharp reactions, particularly from elders who view the site as sacred.
Those opposed to the plan argue that any development on the land should take into account its cultural importance and involve broader consultation with the local community.
They have called for the preservation of the shrine and respect for traditional heritage.
On the other hand, proponents of the housing project have pointed to the need for development and the benefits of expanding access to affordable housing.
The issue has since evolved into a broader debate balancing cultural preservation with development priorities.