• Muratina is a traditional alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains or fruits.
• It is often brewed using ingredients like fermented honey, maize, or sorghum.
To many Kenyans who take one for the road, the most common brands are their favourite.
But there exist many traditional drinks which have been passed from one generation to another.
One of them is Muratina for the Agikuyu Community.
Just last week, a Kiambu court declared that Muratina is not an illegal drink.
According to Slow Food Kenya, the drink plays a key role in most social functions in the Gikuyu culture.
Muratina wine is made from the fruit of the muratina tree, commonly called the “sausage tree” (Kigelia africana).
This is due to the long, sausage-like fruits that it bears, which can grow up to one metre (3.3 ft.) in length.
Experts however warn that the fruit is poisonous to humans if not properly ripened.
Slow Food Kenya says to make the drink, the fruits are cut into pieces and dried under the sun, after which they are boiled in water.
"After boiling, they are removed from the water and sun-dried again. They are then added to a small amount of sugar cane juice or honey and kept in a warm place," it explains.
"If there is no wood to sustain a continuous fire, the muratina can be left in the sun during the day. This process takes about 24 hours, after which the fruits are again removed and sun-dried," it adds.
The site notes that once the fruits are dry, they are mixed with more sugarcane juice or honey based on the amount of the final drink required.
The mixture is then left to ferment for between one and four days.
The fruits increase the alcohol content, give flavor to the drink, and, most probably, inoculate the right kind of yeast for the fermentation.
Online site Atlas Obscura says muratina can be dangerous when made incorrectly.
"Traditionally, the brew is served in cow horns. Unlike an ordinary glass, you cannot put down a horn," the site says.
"Once you inadvertently put it down and spill its contents, it will be clear to those around you that you are drunk. That is a sign it’s time to head home," it notes.
Why it is important to the community
Muratina is not just a beverage but a symbol of cultural identity for the Kikuyu people. It is often consumed during important ceremonies such as weddings, initiations, and other communal gatherings.
Muratina is also believed to have spiritual significance among the Kikuyu community. It is often used in traditional rituals and ceremonies to honor ancestors, seek blessings, and cleanse spiritually.
Sharing Muratina fosters social cohesion and strengthens bonds within the community. It is often brewed and consumed communally, bringing people together to celebrate and connect.
The drink is believed to have medicinal properties and is used as a traditional remedy for various ailments. It is considered to have therapeutic effects and is often consumed for its health benefits.
Elders believe that offering Muratina to guests is a sign of hospitality and respect. It is customary to welcome visitors with a serving of Muratina as a gesture of goodwill.