Arise Media 
BY LYDIA NJIRUH
Their mesmerizing, rhythmic drum beats and the exuberant jumps of its faithful worshippers compel onlookers to keep their gaze fixed upon them.
The Akorino church stands not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of identity, unity, and resilience for its members.
During their gatherings, the event resonates with melodious hymns, fervent prayers, and spirited sermons, creating an atmosphere of reverence and joy.
One of the most distinctive features of the Akorino Church is its adherence to a strict dress code, characterized by the women’s long dresses, scarves, and headwraps while men wear white turbans and suits.
“We have long dresses, turbans, and headwraps of different colors and their meaning. Although white is the main color for Akorino, some wear green, yellow, purple, and blue colored dresses,” says Archbishop John Maru of the Apostles Christian Church of Africa.
The Archbishop says through the Holy Spirit, a faithful understands the color of the dress or turban to wear. He reveals that sometimes a faithful may dream dressed in a particular color.
“After dreaming, the Christian is required to tell the reverend explaining its meaning—as given by the holy spirit in the dream. After that, he or she is blessed and allowed to dress in that color,” says the man of God based in Embu County.
Archbishop Maru notes that green is the color of nature, representing harmony, balance, and connection with the natural world.
Akorino community beliefs are deeply rooted in indigenous traditions and a reverence for nature. The green attire symbolizes their respect for the environment and their acknowledgment of God’s creation.
The Archbishop is a member of the Governing Council at the General Conference of Akorino Churches Assembly (GECACA), a body that plans Akurino events Nationally.
Archbishop Ezekiel John Waithaka of Israel Traverse International Church in Kiambu County says the red color means Angle Gabriel, who helps Christians fight their battles.
In the Akurino Community, the turban means “Ash,” and the gown/ dress means “Sack” biblically. They signify humbleness and repentance.
“In the past, people smeared ashes on their heads as a sign of repentance. Also, Catholics and Anglicans apply ashes on the foreheads, reminding them they are dust and to dust they shall return. To us, the turban represents the ash,” said Archbishop Maru.
Despite facing challenges and misconceptions from the broader society, the Akorino community remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving its beliefs and traditions.
The Archbishop says Akorino removes shoes while entering the Church because they relate it to the Bible, from the story of Moses and the burning bush when God told Moses to remove his sandals as he stood on the Holy ground.
Akorino Community members observe strictly the Old Testament, The law of Moses.
Akorino community members foresee and are morally upright in their behaviors and dressing codes, thus being role models in the way of Christ to lead others as a good example in everything.
However, Archbishop Maru notes that some may not be genuine foreseers urging people to be keen.
“If someone asks for money so that he can tell you what heavens have for you, that one must be a fake foreseer,” he says.
In 2017, history was made after Eric Muchangi alias Karemba was elected the first MP from the ‘Akorino’ religion in Kenya. Muchangi is the second-time MP for the Runyenjes constituency in Embu County.
The word Múkúrinú is a question that asks who is the “Redeemer?” People use the word Múkúrinú as an identity.
They also use the word for greetings that goes like Múkúri nú? The response should be, ní Jesú. Translating to, Who is the redeemer? Then the reply should be; it’s Jesus.
In the ever-changing world, the Akorino Church stands as a beacon of faith, tradition, and community, inspiring its members to embrace their identity with pride and to live out their values with courage and conviction.
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