QUAKER EXISTENTIAL SPIRITUALITY AS EXEMPLIFIED BY KENYAN QUAKER WOMEN IN THE KUHAMBIZA ITAYA (LIGHTING THE LAMP) RITUAL

Quaker women in Kenya express their faith through the “Kuhambiza itaya” (Lighting the lamp) ritual, symbolizing the Quaker belief in the inner light—the idea that everyone carries “that of God” within them. This ceremony celebrates women’s servant-leadership in socio-cultural and religious spheres, honoring their exemplary service and achievements within the Quaker church. Blending Quaker spirituality with African cultural traditions, the ritual uses modern artifacts like the lantern lamp to embody existential spirituality. This study explores how Kenyan Quaker women integrate Quaker existential spirituality with cultural practices through Kuhambiza itaya, highlighting the localization of a global religious tradition. Conducted in Western Kenya, where Quakerism has deep roots since 1902, the research employs field studies, interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observations. Grounded in Webster’s (2009) theory of existential spirituality, it examines how individuals derive meaning and purpose through relational experiences, offering insights into the ritual’s cultural and spiritual significance.