Into the clearing they streamed from between two hills: over three thousand warriors in full regalia, bearing spears and shields.

They formed into a circle before a giant tree. In accord with their beliefs, the tree had been spared to catch the spirits of all the other trees that had been destroyed in the area.

The place was the highlands of Kenya in eastern Africa. The warriors were members of the various clans of the Kikuyu people. The date was July 22, 1922.

From the circle a young Englishman spoke through an interpreter. He told the armed warriors that to the Masai people, (their traditional enemies), they were known as the “Forest Destroyers.” The gathering stirred with anger.

He went on to say that this was true: they had been forest destroyers. He called upon the warriors to now instead become "Men of the Trees" – sworn protectors and planters of trees. By doing this they would benefit their way of life, and improve the future of their people.

This was part of the first Dance of the Trees.

What was the young man’s purpose in issuing this challenge to the warriors?

Why was he there?