Facing Mount Kenya; the Tribal Life of Gikuyu Summary
Jomo Kenyatta

Facing Mount Kenya; the Tribal Life of Gikuyu Summary

Facing Mount Kenya: The Tribal Life of Gikuyu by Jomo Kenyatta is an anthropological, psychological, social, economical and religious study of the African people living in Gikuyu, Kenya. Told from an African standpoint, the book shows both the rich culture of the Gikuyu people, as well as the dangers of European influence over a population of people whose entire lives are based on social customs and religious ideas.

The author, Kenyatta, is a highly respected anthropologist who also happens to be the grandson of a medicine man of the Gikuyu. As a member of the Gikuyu society, Kenyatta is able to accurately describe and explain the traditions and customs of the tribe without European bias and misunderstanding. He is able to present a complete account of tribal life, while at the same time analyzing the effects of new European rule over the Gikuyu and over their lands.