Kikuyu Hymns- Ihiga ria tene ma- Rock of ages cleft for me

The song evokes sweet and sad memories. My maternal grandmother was truly a woman of faith. She loved this hymn. The memories are sweet because it reminds me that unwavering faith made her walk miles on  bare feet  during the East African revival movement "Tukutendereza" preaching the gospel of Christ. She taught catechism in a small church up the hill without expecting reward or recognition. The memories are sad because to most people spirituality and religion are one...and sometimes we sing from the lips not from a deeper place as reflected in the words of this song. Without further ado. Here it is;

Ihiga ria tene ma
Nindiihite hari we
Tuma mai na thakame
Kuuma mbaru-ini ciaku
Unine wihia wothe
Ningi na hinya waguo

Mawira makwa mothe
Matingihingia watho
Kiyo giakwa kinene
Kieha o na maithori
Itinginina wihia
Nowe wiki wahota

Ndiri na ihaki nii
Ngwihoka mutharaba
Ndi njaga humba nguo
Ndi muhutu ndeithagia
Ndi o mwihia no nguthii
Githima giaku there

Hingo ino ya muoyo
O na iria cia gikua
Ndariuka na ndakuona
Mutuaniri cira
Ihiga ria tene ma
Ningehitha hari we