Breaking Misconceptions: 10 Myths vs. Realities About Mgangas

In many East African cultures, Mgangas (traditional healers) hold respected roles as spiritual guides, health practitioners, and cultural custodians. However, as with any profession, misconceptions about their practices have emerged over time, fueled by fear, misunderstanding, or misinformation. This article aims to debunk common myths and highlight the realities of the vital role Mgangas play in their communities.

Myth 1: Mgangas are Just Witchdoctors

• Reality: While some Mgangas may be associated with mystical practices, the majority focus on healing and spiritual guidance. The term “witchdoctor” is often used negatively and inaccurately to describe Mgangas, associating them with harmful magic or curses. In reality, many Mgangas use herbal medicine, spiritual rituals, and ancestral guidance to promote health and well-being.
• Key Point: Most Mgangas work within a holistic framework, aiming to heal not just the body but also the spirit, emotions, and mind.

Myth 2: Mgangas Use Harmful Magic or Curses

• Reality: While some Mgangas may practice forms of spiritual intervention, the majority focus on healing, protection, and restoring balance. Curses and harmful magic (uchawi) are distinct from traditional healing practices, and reputable healers avoid using their powers for destructive purposes. Ethical Mgangas strive to help their communities overcome challenges through constructive means, such as rituals for prosperity, fertility, or cleansing.
• Key Point: Most Mgangas are committed to positive, life-affirming healing practices and only resort to spiritual interventions when necessary to restore harmony.

Myth 3: Mgangas Are Opposed to Modern Medicine

• Reality: Many Mgangas collaborate with medical professionals and see traditional and modern medicine as complementary rather than conflicting. While some patients may prefer traditional remedies, others use Mganga services alongside conventional treatments to address spiritual or emotional aspects of their illness that modern medicine may overlook.
• Key Point: The relationship between traditional and modern healthcare is evolving, with increasing cooperation between Mgangas and medical professionals to provide comprehensive care.

Myth 4: Mgangas Are Only for Rural or Traditional Communities

• Reality: While Mgangas are often associated with rural or indigenous settings, their practices are increasingly relevant in urban environments. Many city dwellers seek the guidance of Mgangas for spiritual well-being, emotional healing, and stress management. Traditional healing has adapted to modern challenges, offering services like mental health support, relationship counseling, and career guidance.
• Key Point: Mgangas serve people across all walks of life, regardless of location or social class.

Myth 5: Mgangas Are Superstitious and Uneducated

• Reality: Many Mgangas have vast knowledge of plants, herbs, and rituals that have been passed down for generations. Far from being “superstitious,” their practices are rooted in deep cultural and spiritual traditions. While some may have formal education, the majority gain their knowledge through apprenticeship and spiritual guidance from elders or ancestors.
• Key Point: Mgangas are skilled professionals with specialized knowledge in natural healing, spirituality, and cultural practices.

Myth 6: All Mgangas Are the Same

• Reality: Just as in any profession, not all Mgangas are alike. Some specialize in herbal medicine, while others focus on divination, spiritual healing, or conflict resolution. Practices and approaches can vary widely across different ethnic groups, regions, and individual healers. The diversity of Mganga practices is one of the reasons they are so deeply rooted in local culture.
• Key Point: Mgangas have different specialties and methods, making each healer unique and tailored to specific needs.

Myth 7: Mgangas Exploit Their Clients for Money

• Reality: While there may be bad actors in any field, many Mgangas are deeply committed to the well-being of their clients. They often offer services in exchange for symbolic payments, such as food, livestock, or offerings, rather than demanding large sums of money. Traditional healers are seen as spiritual guides who operate within a community-focused economy, where their role is often more about service than profit.
• Key Point: The relationship between a Mganga and their community is rooted in mutual respect, with payment often reflecting cultural values rather than exploitation.

Myth 8: Mgangas Are Dangerous and Should Be Avoided

• Reality: While some practices may seem unfamiliar or mysterious to those outside the culture, most Mgangas are dedicated to ethical healing. They work within frameworks of respect, responsibility, and accountability. In fact, many individuals seek out Mgangas precisely because they offer healing methods that resonate with their cultural and spiritual beliefs.
• Key Point: Ethical Mgangas prioritize patient care, community harmony, and respect for cultural traditions, and their practices are far from dangerous when approached with trust and respect.

Myth 9: Mgangas Can Only Heal Physical Illnesses

• Reality: While Mgangas are known for treating physical ailments with herbs and natural remedies, their role often extends to emotional, psychological, and spiritual healing. Many people turn to Mgangas for assistance with mental health issues, relationship struggles, or guidance during major life transitions. Healers are seen as holistic care providers who address all aspects of a person’s well-being.
• Key Point: The scope of Mganga healing extends beyond the body, incorporating spiritual and emotional healing in a way that modern medicine often overlooks.

Myth 10: Mgangas Are a Dying Tradition

• Reality: While Mgangas face challenges from modernity and globalization, their practices remain an integral part of many East African communities. In fact, traditional healing is experiencing a resurgence as more people seek to reconnect with their cultural roots. Some Mgangas have even embraced modern technology to expand their reach, offering consultations via phone or social media.
• Key Point: Traditional healing is a resilient and adaptive tradition, continuing to thrive and evolve to meet the needs of modern society.

Contact Dr. Mama Okowa
Call: +254708307801
Bungoma, Nyanza and Western, Kenya