Editing Holy Ghost Church of East Africa

{{Short description|African sect of Christianity}}
{{More citations needed|date=March 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}

'''The Holy Ghost Church of East Africa''', known among its adherents as '''Akurinu''' (sometimes “Akorino”),<ref>{{Cite thesis|title=The Akurinu churches: a study of the history and some of the basic beliefs of the Holy Ghost Church of East Africa 1926-1980|url=http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/23812|publisher=University of Nairobi|date=1984|degree=Thesis|language=en|first=Philomena|last=Njeri|author-link=Philomena Njeri Mwaura}}</ref> is an African sect of [[Christianity]] common in the central region of [[Kenya]] among the [[Agikuyu]], [[Aembu]] and [[Meru people|Ameru]] community. The sect incorporates some aspects of Christianity with those of traditional Kikuyu religious beliefs. The sect was officially registered in 1959. However, it traces its origins between the years 1926 and 1930 in [[Limuru]], [[Kiambu County]], Central Kenya.

== History ==
The origin of the word ''akurinu'' is not clear. It is said by some to come from the Kikuyu question ‘''Mukuri-nú''’ which translates to ‘who is the redeemer?’. Others say that it comes from the growling sounds made by early adherents to the sect when possessed by the spirit, an act described as ''gukurina''. In his book ''Facing Mt. Kenya'', [[Jomo Kenyatta]] states that the ''akurinu'' referred to themselves as Arooti(dreamers), people of God.

The ''akurinu'' identify Joseph Ng’ang’a as the founder of the sect. It was Ng’ang’a who ascended [[Mount Kenya]] (then known as Mount Kirinyaga) with the first four akurinu prophets - Joseph Kanini, Henry Maina, Philip Mukubwa, and Lilian Njeru. It was on this ascension that the ''akurinu'' say Njeru was instructed to remove all adornments she had worn, throw them into River Nyamindi, and cover her hair. They also claim to have been instructed by God to lift their hands in the air as they pray. These two practices form an integral part of ''akurinu'' religious beliefs today.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8b6RffFxXU |title=The Akorino &#124;Culture Quest |publisher=YouTube |date=2019-03-10 |accessdate=2020-03-03}}</ref>

Henry Maina is credited with composing most of the 544 hymns in the ''akurinu'' hymn book. It is said that he was given the gift of music by God on condition that he would not marry. However, after marrying a woman from [[Nyahururu]], he lost his musical prowess. His name was replaced by that of David Ikegu in the Akurinu New Testament.

In the 1950s at the height of tension between the British colonial government and natives, the movement came under heavy suppression from the colonial government which was opposed to any indigenous religious movement. Joseph Ng’ang’a was shot dead on 2 February 1934 by British soldiers while praying in a cave.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.open.ac.uk/arts/research/ferguson-centre/projects/managing-heritage/events-17|title=The Pacifist Presence in Kenya &#124; The Ferguson Centre for African and Asian Studies &#124; Open University|website=www.open.ac.uk}}</ref>

== Differences with mainstream Christianity ==
Adherents to the sect are known to be reserved about their religious beliefs and do not interact freely with non-Akurinu. They are conspicuous in their white robes and turbans as their scripture dictates that they should discard all forms of European dressing. The white turban is also meant to show that they are peace-makers. These are some of the main differences between the ''akurinu'' sect and mainstream Christianity.

* Elders seclude themselves for 7-14 days before any important event.

* ''Akurinu'' men are not allowed to marry before attaining the age of 25. For women, the minimum age limit for marriage is 22. This is however more of a guideline than a rule.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2000027201/the-akorino-wedding|title=The Akorino wedding|website=The Standard}}</ref>

* They do not believe in having statues in the church or homes. As such, it is forbidden to have any statues of the [[Virgin Mary]] or [[Jesus Christ]]. This, they say, is drawn from [[the 10 commandments]] which states "You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below."

* ''Akurinu'' [[baptism]] is not necessarily by water. It can also be done using oil or by the laying of hands. This, they say, is drawn from the [[Bible]] in Matthew 3:11 where [[John the Baptist]] says, "I baptize you with water but after me comes one who is more powerful than I. . . who will baptize you with the [[Holy Spirit]] and fire."

* Dead bodies are not allowed near church premises. Praying for the dead is done at the burial site. The dead are not supposed to be taken to a [[mortuary]]. Instead, they are preserved using ice and other traditional methods.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.nation.co.ke/lifestyle/lifestyle/The-sacred-mission-God-assigned--Akorino-/1214-1048110-vd2s27z/index.html|title=The sacred mission God 'assigned' Akorino|website=Daily Nation}}</ref>
* Consumption of alcohol is forbidden.

* Consumption of pork and pork products is forbidden.

* The ''Akurinu'' prefer traditional medicine to modern/[[Western medicine]]. They believe that the use of modern medicine shows lack of faith in the healing power of God.<ref name="auto"/>

Today, the church has split into several different sub-sects, each with its own style of dress.

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Christian denominations in Kenya]]
[[Category:Kikuyu| ]]
[[Category:New religious movements established in the 1950s]]