Prophecy, Possession, and Politics: Negotiating the Supernatural in 20th Century Machakos, Kenya

Abstract

The article discusses the ways in which occultism, prophecy, and alleged spiritual possessions impacted social change in the Machakos District of Kenya in the early 20th century. The author begins by tracing the history of supernatural belief among the region's Kamba people, and goes on to note British colonial authorities' reactions to occultism and prophecy. The impact of possession on gender relations is explained, as many women were often the victims of possession. Other topics discussed include exorcism and Christian missionary responses.