Kenyans on social media are debating a photo showing a police officer with a turban, indicating that he is of the Akurinu faith. An Akurinu cop’s photo got Kenyans talking. According to the movement’s website, it emerged in the mid-1920s among the Agikuyu, led entirely by local leaders. Early members included individuals expelled from Christian missions for moral reasons and adherents of traditional Kikuyu religion. Initially called watu wa Mungu (people of God) or arathi (prophets), they later became known as Aroti, emphasising dreams and divine revelations. About the Akurinu Amid colonial hardships like land loss, forced labour, taxation, and cultural suppression, plus rising political awareness after World War I, the movement grew rapidly.
They established distinctive worship practices including white turbans and robes, specific prayer postures with men raising hands and women cupping theirs, and communal hymn-singing. Colonial authorities, fearing rebellion, responded with arrests, deportations, and violence, and it persisted until the end of the State of Emergency. What did Kenyans say about Akurinu cop? Known for their turbans, a photo of a cop wearing one has many Kenyans scratching their heads. The undated image, which has been circulating on social media, shows the officer wearing an Administration Police uniform, including the combat jacket. While the officers around him had berets or no head covering, the officer in question donned a turban. The cream-coloured turban matched his shirt and came complete with the police seal. Journalist and leading social media influencer Abdikarim Hussein admitted that he had never seen an Akurinu in the disciplined Forces. “I never knew we had Akurinu in the Kenyan police service (AP and regular police) or even the military. As a person who was raised from childhood to late teenage years at a military base (Moi Air Base), I have never seen an Akurinu in the Forces.” Radio presenter Mwende Macharia also seemed surprised as she wrote: “There are a lot of things going on in the country.” Numerous Kenyans admitted that it was their first time seeing one, while others said they had. Below are some of the comments: Sitawa Kisiangani: “I am seeing this today.” Chosen Prynces: “They are even in the Kenyan army – I have two friends.” Yvonne Kontoz: “Waaah. This is new. Never seen an Akurinu cop.” Samson Ngereza Ogalo: “I’m seeing one for the first time too here.” Emmanuel Chilumo Junior: “I trained with one. I don’t know whether he is still serving.” Mose Mkenya: “Have you seen an Indian cop? Back in 2001, there was one either stationed at Pangani or Kamukunji.”
By William Osoro
