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73-545: The Luhya culture is similar to the Great Lakes region Bantu speakers. During a wave of expansion that began 4,000 to 5,000 years ago, Bantu-speaking populations – as of 2023, some 310 million people – gradually left their original homeland of West-Central Africa and traveled to the eastern and southern regions of the continent. Using data from a vast genomic analysis of more than 2,000 samples taken from individuals in 57 populations throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, scientists from

146-451: A patrilinear family line, their common ancestor often became the subject of a legend surrounding the origin of the family. By contrast, families and peoples with a matrilinear history trace themselves back to an original female progenitrix . Matrilinear rules of descent are found in about 200 of the 1300 known indigenous peoples and ethnic groups worldwide, whilst around 600 have patrilineal rules of descent (from father to son). In

219-420: A cyclical system spanning over 100 years, with each age-group lasting for 12 years(composed of 6 sub-sets of 2 years each) apart from Bachuma which lasts for 16 years (made up of 8 sub-sets of 2-years each), one of which lasted from 1872–1886. The reason for this was the tradition that there was an old man of the age group of Basawa from the previous cycle who was still alive and he was not meant to live and see

292-650: A girl could be named 'Nanjala'. Both names share the same root word, 'njala', from 'eNjala', the Bukusu word for hunger. The Bukusu practice male circumcision. It is thought that they adopted the practice from contact with the Kalenjin at Mount Elgon . Others argue, however, that the presence of the practice in the other Luhya tribes indicates an earlier adoption, before the Bukusu settled at Mount Elgon . In ceremonies that were spaced about two years apart, young boys of

365-623: A particular age (usually about 15 years) would, on getting the go-ahead from their parents, invite relatives and friends to their initiation. The initiation was a public event, witnessed by all. Going through the operation without showing any sign of pain is thought to be an indicator of bravery. Once circumcised, an initiate became a member of an age group . There are eight age-groups known as 'Bibingilo'. These are ( Bakolongolo (2000-2010), Bakikwameti (2012-2022), Bakananachi (2024-2034), Bakinyikeu (2036-1946), Banyange (1948-1958), Bamaina (1960-1970), Bachuma (1972-1986) , Basawa (1988-1998) ), forming

438-650: A severe blow to Moi's candidate by voting en masse for Kibaki who thereafter won the election with Wamalwa as his vice president. Of the eleven vice presidents of Kenya since independence, three have been Luhyas. Others who have held high-profile political offices include, Musalia Mudavadi, current deputy Prime Minister formerly 7th Vice President (Sept. 2002 – Dec 2002), Michael Wamalwa Kijana, 8th Vice President of Kenya (January 2003 – August 2003), Moody Awori , 9th Vice President of Kenya (September 2003 – January 2008), Amos Wako , longest-serving Attorney General of Kenya - 19 years in office, Kenneth Marende , Speaker of

511-582: A team of oxen for ploughing and haulage. Chicken, a traditional delicacy, are now kept for commercial egg production.The Bukusu also practised craftsmanship skills in pottery, weaving, and blacksmithing. The Bukusu currently form one of the main support bases of the governing coalition in Kenya, through the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy – Kenya (FORD–Kenya) political party led by Moses Wetangula and

584-468: A traditional seven-stringed lyre known as the litungu and the silili . Elijah Masinde , who formalised the traditional faith through Dini ya Msambwa , was a Bukusu elder; he promoted the culture and faith of the Bukusu and hence Luhya and African peoples. In Dini Ya Msambwa, Elijah Masinde resisted colonialism and the extermination of the Luhya people's way of life. Circumcision Bukusu circumcision

657-455: A while, until the boy acquired enough wealth to pay the original bride price, as well as a fine, to the parents of the girl. This practice has since died out. The Bukusu highly approve of intermarriages between themselves and the BaMasaaba ; they have similarities in codes of conduct, marriage customs, circumcision traditions and folklore. Among the most famous of Bukusu marriage customs is

730-475: A young man came from a well-to-do family, he would ask his sisters to find a girl for him to marry. The ability of a girl to cook well, bear children and work in the fields were the main attractions of a potential wife. Once a girl was identified, an emissary was sent to her parents to ask for her hand. The girl had no say whatsoever in the whole matter: bride price would be discussed, and once paid she would be sent to live with her new husband. This form of marriage

803-403: Is common in traditional households. In some cases, the potential groom would be from a poor family and could not afford to pay the likely bride price. Traditional society allowed such boys to abduct the girls they intended to marry. (The girl had to present an opportunity to be 'abducted', so her cooperation was essential.) The couple would then leave their home to live with a far-off relative for

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876-582: Is derived from Ng'ono Mwami's father who was called Marachi son of Musebe, the son of Sirikwa. So all the Marachi sub-clans owed their allegiance to Ng'ono Mwami from whose lineage of Ababere sub-clan they were founded. The name Marachi was given further impetus by the war-like lifestyle of the descendants of Ng'ono who ruthlessly fought off the Luo expansion of the Jok Omollo a Nilotic group that sought to control

949-460: Is done to boys that are between 12–28 years. They play trading jingle bells "chinyimba" as they call, visit all there relatives to inform them the date of circumcision. The boy to be circumcised, will do everything and make sure,he has informed everyone. Third day to the d day, the boy will be smeared with millet flour, "khuchukhamo" which will be used to make alcohol taken on the day of circumcision. The second last day, He will visit his uncle where by

1022-587: Is the progenitor of all mankind. In the Abrahamic religions , Adam , Noah , Abraham and others are described as progenitors (see also Biblical patriarchy ). In archaeogenetics (archaeological genetics), a human Y-chromosomal Adam has been named as the most recent common ancestor from whom all currently living people are descended patrilinearly. This Adam lived in Africa at a time variously estimated from 60,000 to 338,000 years ago. And Mitochondrial Eve ,

1095-409: Is the – sometimes legendary – founder of a family , line of descent , clan or tribe , noble house , or ethnic group . Genealogy (commonly known as family history) understands a progenitor to be the earliest recorded ancestor of a consanguineous family group of descendants . Progenitors are sometimes used to describe the status of a genealogical research project, or in order to compare

1168-457: The Basawa age group began, and lasted until 1898. Each age group is represented once every century. Female circumcision is not a traditional Bukusu practice, though some clans are said to have practiced it. This is especially the case around Mount Elgon , where the neighbouring Kalenjin tribes also practice a form of female circumcision. Although circumcision was universal among the Bukusu,

1241-688: The Kipsigis , the Nandi , the Samburu , the Marakwet , the Borana and further beyond. The main body of the population headed south east and west under the banners of Basirikwa, Banabayi, Bakikayi, Baneala, Bamalaba and Bamwalie. The Bukusu lived in fortified villages, and did not have a structure of central authority. The highest authority was the village headman, called Omukasa , who was usually elected by

1314-904: The Maragoli in Kenya and the Saniak in Tanzania are said to have originally been Tachoni. Other sub-clans said to have been Tachoni are the Bangachi found among Bagisu of Uganda, and Balugulu, also found in Uganda and the Bailifuma, found among the Banyala. Although Trans Nzoia is in the Rift Valley province, substantial Luhya populations have settled in the Kitale area. In Kenyan politics,

1387-501: The New Ford Kenya party led by Eugene Wamalwa. Previously, they were associated with opposition to the Kalenjin -dominated reign of former President Daniel arap Moi . Their political leaders have included Michael Christopher Wamalwa Kijana, Masinde Muliro, George Welime Kapten, Musikari Nazi Kombo and Moses Masika Wetangula, Peter Kisuya, Wakoli Bifwoli, Wafula Wamunyiyi, David Eseli Simiyu, and Lawrence Sifuna. The Bukusu play

1460-648: The mythological beliefs of the Romans the god of war, Mars , was viewed as the progenitor of the Romans; which is why the Mars symbol ( ♂ , a shield and spear), is used to refer to the male sex . Besides cities and countries, ethnic groups may also have a progenitor (often a god) in their mythologies, for example, the Hellenistic Greeks look back to Hellen as their progenitor. In Indian Hinduism Manu

1533-459: The progenitors of the Luhya were part of the great Bantu expansion out of Central Africa . During a wave of expansion that began 4,000 to 5,000 years ago, Bantu-speaking populations – as of 2023, some 310 million people – gradually left their original homeland of West-Central Africa and traveled to the eastern and southern regions of the continent. However, the majority of the other Luhya tribe are mostly from present-day Uganda . Early migration

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1606-438: The 2002 general elections of Kenya, the Luhya proved this point when outgoing president Daniel Arap Moi appointed Musalia Mudavadi as vice president in an attempt to lure Luhyas to vote for Uhuru Kenyatta , his choice of successor with Musalia as running mate. The Luhyas remained adamant in their support for the opposition then led by Mwai Kibaki who also had a Luhya, Michael Kijana Wamalwa as running mate. The Luhyas dealt

1679-537: The 2019 Kenyan census. They speak the Bukusu dialect . The Bukusu myths of origin state that the first man, Mwambu (the discoverer or inventor), was made from mud by Wele Khakaba (meaning " God the Creator ") at a place called Mumbo (which translates to "west"). God then created a woman known as Sela to be his wife. Mwambu and his descendants moved out of Mumbo and settled on the foothills of Mount Elgon (known to them as Masaba), from where their descendants grew to form

1752-3357: The Abashimuli, Abashikulu, Abamasaba, Abashiangala, Abamusali, Abangolori, Abamahani, Abamuhali. 9. The Isukha speak Lwisukha and occupy the eastern part of Kakamega district. Isukha sub-clans include the Abarimbuli, Abasaka- Ia, Abamakhaya, Abitsende, Abamironje, Abayokho, Abakusi, Abamahalia, Abimalia, Abasuiwa, Abatsunga, Abichina, Abashilukha, Bakhumbwa, Baruli, Abatura, Abashimutu, Abashitaho, Abakhulunya, Abasiritsa, Abakhaywa, Abasaiwa, Abakhonyi, Abatecheri, Abayonga, Abakondi, Abaterema, and Abasikhobu. 10. The Maragoli speak Lulogooli and occupy Vihiga district. Maragoli sub-clans include Avamumbaya, Avamuzuzu, Avasaali, Avakizungu, Avavurugi, Avakirima, Avamaabi, Avanoondi, Avalogovo, Avagonda, Avamutembe, Avasweta, Avamageza, Avagizenbwa, Avaliero, Avasaniaga, Avakebembe, Avayonga, Avagamuguywa, Avasaki, Avamasingira, Avamaseero, Avasanga, Avagitsunda. 11. The Nyole speak Olunyole and occupy Bunyore in Vihiga district. Nyole sub-clans include Abakanga, Abayangu, Abasiekwe, Abatongoi, Abasikhale, Aberranyi, Abasakami, Abamuli, Abasubi (Abasyubi), Abasiralo, Abalonga, Abasiratsi. Abamang’ali, Abanangwe, Abasiloli, Ab’bayi, Abakhaya, Abamukunzi and Abamutete. 12. The Tiriki speak Ludiliji and occupy Tiriki in Vihiga district. Tiriki sub-clans include Balukhoba, Bajisinde, Bam'mbo, Bashisungu, Bamabi, Bamiluha, Balukhombe, Badura, Bamuli, Barimuli, Baguga, Basianiga and Basuba. 13. The Wanga speak Oluwanga and occupy Mumias and Matungu Districts. The 22 Wanga sub-clans are Abashitsetse, Abakolwe, Abaleka, Abachero, Abashikawa, Abamurono, Abashieni, Abamwima, Abamuniafu, Abambatsa, Abashibe, Ababere, Abamwende, Abakhami, Abakulubi, Abang’ale, Ababonwe, Abatsoye, Abalibo, Abang’ayo, Ababule and Abamulembwa. 14. The [[Marama Sub-tribe}](Luhya)|Marama]] speak Lumarama and occupy Butere Sub-county. Marama sub-clans include Abamukhula, Abatere, Abashirotsa, Abatsotse, Aberecheya, Abamumbia, Abakhuli, Abakokho, Abakara, Abamatundu, Abamani, Abashieni, Abanyukhu, Abashikalie, Abashitsaha, Abacheya, Abatayi, Abasete, Abamachina, Abakolwe (origin from Wanga), Abebokolo, Abalukokho, Abageri (Luo origin), Abamatioli (origin from Butsotso), Abang'onya (origin from Butsotso), Abashitsetse (origin from Wanga) etc. (History of Abaluyia-Gideon Were) 15. The Kisa speak Olushisa and occupy Khwisero district. Kisa sub-clans include Ababoli, Abakambuli, Abachero, abalakayi, Abakhobole, Abakwabi, Abamurono, Abamanyulia, Abaruli, Abashirandu, Abamatundu, Abashirotsa, Abalukulu etc. 16. The Tachoni speak Lutachoni and occupy Lugari, Trans-Nzoia, Likuyani, Bungoma and Malava districts. Tachoni sub-clans include Abachikha-Abakobolo, Abachambai, Abakabini, Abacharia, and Abamuhonngo-, Abakamutebi, Abamarakalu, Abasang'alo, Abangachi, Abasioya, Abaabiya, Abatecho, Abaengele, Abaabichwa, Abamarakalu, Abamakhanga, Abamakhuli, Abalugulu, Abakubwayi, Abakuusi, Abakamlevi, Abachewa, Abameywa, Abamurundi, Abamua, Abachimuluk, Abachivino, Abanyang'ali, Abarefu, Abasamba, Abasamo, Abaluu, Abayumbu, Abawande, Abaabichu, Abasonge/Abasonje, Abasaniaka, Abamweya, and Abamalicha. The Saniaga sub-clan found among

1825-634: The Abasiaya. They are closely related to the Masaba (or Gisu), Basamia and Banyole of Uganda, whose language is mutually intelligible with Luhya. The principal traditional settlement area of the Luhya is in what was formerly the Western province . A substantial number of them permanently settled in the Kitale and Kapsabet areas of the former Rift Valley province . The Luhya people make their home mainly in

1898-589: The Banyala include Abahafu, Ababenge, Abachimba, Abadavani, Abaengere, Abakangala, Abakhubichi, Abakoye, Abakwangwachi, Abalanda, Abalecha, Abalindo, Abamani, Abalindavyoki, Abamisoho, Abamuchuu, Abamugi, Abamulembo, Abasinyama, Abamwaya, Abanyekera, Abaokho, Abasaacha, Abasakwa, Abasaya, Abasenya, Abasia, Abasiloli, Abasonge (also found among Kabras), Abasumba, Abasuu, Abatecho (also found among Bukusu), Abaucha, Abauma, Abaumwo, Abacharia, Abayaya, Abayirifuma (also found among Tachoni), Abayisa, Abayundo and Abasiondo, Abachende. The Banyala do not intermarry with someone from

1971-506: The Banyala of Busia, save for minor differences in pronunciation. The Abanyala ba Kakamega are also known as Abanyala ba Ndombi. They reside in Navakholo Division North of Kakamega forest. Their one-time powerful colonial chief was Ndombi wa Namusia. Chief Ndombi was succeeded by his son, Andrea. Andrea was succeeded by Paulo Udoto, Mukopi, Wanjala, Barasa Ongeti, Matayo Oyalo and Muterwa in that order. The sub-clans of

2044-739: The Bongomek, and the Sebei, who were hostile to their new neighbors. To protect themselves against these tribes the Bukusu built fortified villages, an ancient art from their origin in Misri. Currently, the Bukusu mainly inhabit Bungoma , Trans Nzoia , Uasin Gishu , Kakamega and Busia Counties of Western region of Kenya. The Bamasaba of Uganda are very closely related to the Babukusu, with many shared customs and closely related dialects. Previously,

2117-1393: The Bukusu include the Bamutilu, Babuya, Batura, Bamalaba, Bamwale, Bakikayi, Basirikwa, Baechale, Baechalo, Bakibeti, Bakhisa, Bamwayi Bamwaya, Bang'oma, Basakali, Bakiabi, Baliuli, Bamuki, Bakhona, Bakoi, Bameme, Basombi, Bakwangwa, Babutu (descendants of Mubutu also found in Congo), Bakhoone, Baengele (originally Banyala), Balonja, Batukwika, Baboya, Baala, Balako, Basaba, Babuya, Barefu, Bamusomi, Batecho, Baafu, Babichachi, Bamula, Balunda, Babulo, Bafumo, Bayemba, Baemba, Bayaya, Baleyi, Baembo, Bamukongi, Babeti, Baunga, Bakuta, Balisa, Balukulu, Balwonja, Bamalicha, Bamukoya, Bamuna, Bamutiru, Bayonga, Bamang'ali, Basefu, Basekese, Basenya, Basime, Basimisi, Basibanjo, Basonge, Batakhwe, Batecho, Bachemayi, Bachemwile, Bauma, Baumbu, Bakhoma, Bakhonjo, Bakhwami, Bakhulaluwa, Baundo, Bayundo, Bachemuluku, Bafisi, Bakobolo, Bamatiri, Bamakhuli, Bameywa, Bahongo, Basamo, Basang'alo, Basianaga, Basioya, Bachambayi, Bangachi, Babiya, Baande, Bakhone, Bakimwei, Batilu, Bakhurarwa, Bakamukong'i, Baluleti, Babasaba, Bakikai, Bhakitang'a, Bhatemlani, Bhasakha, Bhatasama, Bhakiyabi, Banywaka, Banyangali, Baumba etc. ISBN   978-1-4669-7837-9 2. The Samia speak Lusamia and occupy Southern Region of Busia District (Busia county), Kenya. The sub-clans of

2190-653: The Bukusu were referred to as the Kitosh by the colonialists; this was a word derived from the Nandi and Kwavi who used the word derogatively to describe the Babukusu. Kitosh means 'the terrible ones'; they called them this because the Bukusu warriors were ruthless and decisive in battlefields. Following vigorous campaigns, the name Kitosh was eventually substituted by Bukusu in the mid-1950s. The Bukusu trace their origin from Muntu we Entebbe, who lived in Tabasya of Misri. Muntu

2263-674: The Institut Pasteur and the CNRS, together with a broad international consortium, have retraced the migratory routes of these populations, previously a source of debate. Luhya today refers to both the 20 Luhya clans and their respective Luhya dialects. There are 20 clans that make up the Luhya. The Luhya belong to the larger linguistic stock known as the Bantu. The Luhya comprise several subgroups with different but mutually understood linguistic dialects. The word “Luhya" or “Luyia" in some of

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2336-581: The Kitanga clan) within the Bukusu people, is ekholo . The Bukusu are one of the major sub-tribes of the Luhya people. Together with other Luhya sub-nations, the Bukusu are thought to have first settled north of Lake Turkana at a place called Enambukutu . From there they settled in the Cherangani Hills at a place called Embayi, also known as Silikwa-mbayi . After evil and bad omens befell them, they dispersed taking six routes: five going around

2409-592: The Luhya also named their children after significant events. Consequently, many Luhya people born around the time of the Second World War were named "Keyah", a transliteration of "KAR", the acronym for the King's African Rifles . Other famous chiefs during the colonial time included Ndombi wa Namusia, Sudi Namachanja, Namutala and Ongoma Laurende. 934,926 1. The Bukusu speak Lubukusu and occupy Bungoma, Mount Elgon district and Trans Nzoia. The sub-clans of

2482-558: The Luhya population, commonly referred to as the Luhya vote in an election year, was usually a deciding factor in the outcome of an election. The community was known to unite and vote as a block usually for a specific political candidate without division of mind and regardless of political differences. However, since the March 2013 general elections, this was proved wrong. They are now known to accept different ideologies. Politicians scramble for

2555-409: The Luhya vote since it is the most democratic voter in Kenya. Given their high population numbers, a political candidate who enjoys Luhya support is almost always poised to win the country's general elections, barring incidents of fraud. The community is thereafter "rewarded" politically, by one of their own being appointed vice president or to a high-profile political office by the winning candidate. In

2628-681: The Luhya's primary place of settlement in Kenya after the Bantu expansion ) dates back to as early as the 7 BC. Immigrants into present-day Luhyaland came mainly from eastern and western Uganda and trace their ancestry mainly to several Bantu groups, and to other non-Bantu groups such as the Kalenjin, Luo, and Maasai. By 1850, migration into Luhyaland was largely complete, and only minor internal movements occurred after that due to diseases, droughts, domestic conflicts and effects of British colonialism . Multiple West African populations, including

2701-574: The Luhya, inherited genes from an archaic human ancestor population that diverged before modern humans and Neanderthals, split. Researchers found that a lineage splitting 624,000 years ago and introgressing into the African population 50,000 years ago is able to explain the genes present in the modern Luhya population. Modern ethnicities Diaspora Performing arts Government agencies Television Radio Newspapers Anthropologists , geneticists, and linguists have evidenced that

2774-507: The National Assembly and Zachaias Chesoni , late former Chief Justice of Kenya. Luhya culture is comparable to most Bantu cultural practices. Polygamy was a common practice in the past. Today, with the influence of Christianity, it is practiced by only a few people, usually, if the man marries under traditional African law or Muslim law . Civil marriages (conducted by government authorities) and Christian marriages preclude

2847-470: The Nzoia and Sio Rivers in the area and the fishing grounds around the gulf of Erukala and Ebusijo-modern Port Victoria and Sio Port respectively. 5. The Nyala speak Lunyala and occupy Busia District. Other Nyala (Abanyala ba Kakamega) occupy the northwestern part of Kakamega District. The Banyala of Kakamega are said to have migrated from Busia with a leader known as Mukhamba. They speak the same dialect as

2920-939: The Samia of include the Abatabona, Abadongo, Abakhino, Abakhulo, Abakangala, Abasonga, Ababukaki, Ababuri, Abalala, Abanyiremi, Abakweri, Abajabi, Abakhoba, Abakhwi, Abadulu, Ababiang'u 3. The Khayo speak Lukhayo and occupy Nambale District and Matayos Division of Busia County, Kenya. Khayo sub-clans include the Abaguuri, Abasota, Abakhabi. 4. The Marachi speak Lumarachi and occupy Butula District in Busia county. Marachi sub-clans include Ababere, Abafofoyo, Abamuchama, Abatula, Abamurono, Abang'ayo, Ababule, Abamulembo, Abatelia, Abapwati, Abasumia, Abarano, Abasimalwa, Abakwera, Abamutu, Abamalele, Abakolwe, Ababonwe, Abamucheka, Abaliba, Ababirang'u, Abakolwe, Abade. Abasubo. The name Marachi

2993-433: The availability of genealogical data in different times and places. Often, progenitors are implied to be patrilineal . If a patrilineal dynasty is considered, each such dynasty has exactly one progenitor. Aristocratic and dynastic families often look back to an ancestor who is seen as the founder and progenitor of their house (i.e. family line). Even the old Roman legal concept of agnates ( Latin for "descendants")

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3066-533: The beauty of a girl to the price of a field of land, were expressed in terms of heads of cattle. Possessing cattle, wealth, and prosperous agriculture, the Bukusu were sometimes not only admired but also envied by neighboring communities. Occasionally intermarriages would take place between them and the other communities and it was common practice for Kalenjin neighbors to give the Bukusu their sons to look after their herds of cattle. In times of famine , which are said to have been frequent among their Kalenjin neighbors,

3139-470: The bull will be slaughtered (likhoni) to signify the connection to uncle's place. That will be the day of celebration and there after, the boy will be taken the following day to a place called "sitosi/silongo", to be smeared by mud before he brought back home , stand in the courtyard (etiang'i) and be circumcised. Notable Bukusu people include: Progenitor In genealogy , the progenitor (rarer: primogenitor ; German : Stammvater or Ahnherr )

3212-596: The church in Kaimosi, in Tiriki. He earned a local name, Shikanga, and his children learned to speak Kabras as they lived and interacted with the local children. 7. The Tsotso speak Olutsotso and occupy the western part of Kakamega district. Tsotso sub-clans include the Abangonya, Abashisiru, Abamweche, Abashibo, 8. The Idakho speak Lwidakho and occupy the southern part of Kakamega district. Their sub-clans include

3285-487: The community's warriors, while middle-aged men did little. Older men formed the village's council of elders, and resolved disputes. Punishment for crimes was usually on an eye-for-an-eye basis, while petty crimes like theft were punished by the perpetrators being expelled from the village, and their property confiscated and redistributed to the wronged party. Cattle were very important as the main means of exchange, alongside cowrie shells (known as chisimbi). Most values, from

3358-493: The current Bukusu population. Anthropologists believe that the Bukusu did not become distinct from the rest of the Luhya population until the late 18th century at the very earliest. They moved into central Uganda as part of a much larger group of people, many forming the eastern extension of the great Bantu migration out of central Africa. The Bukusu word for a sub-tribe such as the Bukusu, as well as smaller clans (for example, Kitanga) or phatries (such as Kituika, within

3431-403: The dialects means "the north.” There is no single Luhya language. Rather, there are several mutually understood dialects that are principally Bantu. Perhaps the most identifying linguistic feature of the various Luhya dialects is the use of the prefix aba- or ava-, meaning "of" or "belonging to." Thus, for example, "Abaluhya (Abaluyia)" means "people from the north." Other translations are "those of

3504-584: The families. The Kabras were under the rulership of Nabongo Mumia of the Wanga and were represented by an elder in his Council of Elders. The last known elder was Soita Libukana Samaramarami of Lwichi village, Central Kabras, near Chegulo market. When the Quaker missionaries spread to Kabras they established the Friends Church (Quakers) through a missionary by the name of Arthur Chilson, who had started

3577-413: The father of Bukusu and Kisu, led the people to Embayi which was later to become Sirikwa, or the fallen kingdom. It fell after the people disobeyed their God Khakaba, so he sent a giant boulder from the sky which hit the land of Mbayi, causing an earthquake followed by swarms of stinging insects, epidemics and other calamities which forced the subjects of Sirikwa to scatter. They dispersed and settled among

3650-446: The first wife accorded a special status among her co-wives. Society was entirely patriarchal: women were present not only as child-bearers but also as an indication of status. In addition, the practice of polygamy meant more hands to work the fields, an advantage in a society founded on agriculture. Children inherited the clan of their father, and were not allowed to marry from either their own clan or their mother's clan. The first son of

3723-410: The first wife was usually the main heir to his father, and he had a special name denoting this status: Simakulu . At birth, children were usually named after grandparents or famous people, or after the weather. Male and female names were different: male names frequently began with 'W', while female names usually began with 'N'. Thus, for example, a boy born during a famine could be named 'Wanjala', while

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3796-599: The form of the ceremony varied according to the clan. In particular, the festivities and ceremonies accompanying the final stage of initiation, when the now-healed initiates came out of seclusion to rejoin their families as 'men', were specific to clans, and have been handed down largely intact to the present day. Much was taught to these young initiates during this time which enabled them to face marriage with information. First marriages are typically between men aged 18–20, and women about age 16. There were two types of first-time marriage: arranged marriages and enforced eloping. If

3869-410: The immense respect accorded to in-laws. A lady, for example, treats her father-in-law with much deference, and they are not allowed to make physical contact in any way. The same is true of a man and his mother-in-law. In marriage, duties were strictly segregated. Housework and agricultural duties were performed by the women and children. The older boys looked after cattle. Young, newly married men formed

3942-405: The largest sub-tribe of the Luhya people in Kenya, residing mainly in the counties of Bungoma and Trans Nzoia. In the 2019 Kenyan census, the total number of Luhyas was estimated at 6,823,842. Of these, 3, 944, 257 volunteered information about their sub-tribes, with Bukusu being named by 1,188,963 people. Bukusu accounts indicate that both agricultural and pastoral economies have been practiced by

4015-423: The latter used to even sell their children to the Bukusu. The Bukusu also used to send their own young boys to grow up with Kalenjin or Maasai families, in some cases for espionage purposes. Being sedentary pastoralists , they had time to care for their sick and bury their dead. A sick person was looked after until he recuperated or died. When a person died, he was buried in a grave with a warrior's weapons if he

4088-440: The men of the village. There were also healers and prophets who acquired great status through their knowledge of tribal tradition, medicines, and religion. Elijah Masinde , a resistance leader and traditional medicine man , was revered as a healer in the early 1980s. Bukusu family structure was traditionally modeled on the Luhya structure, it was and still is modeled on Bukusus culture itself. Families were usually polygamous, with

4161-570: The neighbouring Nandi for cattle and were known to be fearless. This explains why they are generally fewer in number compared to other Luhya clans such as the Maragoli and Bukusu. The Kabras dialect sounds like the Tachoni dialect. Kabras sub-clans include the Abamutama, Basonje, Abakhusia, Bamachina, Abashu, Abamutsembi, Baluu, Batobo, Bachetsi and Bamakangala. They were named after the heads of

4234-596: The next Basawa. Eventually the old man died in 1884 and the Basawa ensued the next initiation period in 1888. It was then agreed to avoid such delays, and that any man who lives long enough to appear reaching the second cycle would be killed. This has been the tradition since then. Once the last age-group has been reached, the first is restarted, and so on. For example, the Bachuma age-group lasted from 1872 to 1886: every Bukusu circumcised within this period (that is, in 1872 through to 1886) belongs to that age-group. In 1888,

4307-528: The north of Lake Victoria was known as Kavirondo "Bantu Kavirondo" previously used to refer to the Luhya and other Bantu communities in the area. The British explorer Henry Morton Stanley made a voyage around Lake Victoria, and Joseph Thomson , the Scottish geologist, passed through Luhya territory around 1883. Thomson met Nabongo Mumia and influenced British relations with the Wanga Kingdom in

4380-520: The oldest maps of Western Kenya indicate Luyialand as Usaba region, meaning: area occupied by masaba speaking people, this name is still used by Gisu of Uganda. The name Masaba, means North in Luluyia language. This territory neighboured the Baganda, Basoga and Bagisu of present-day Uganda, and the Luo, Teso, and Nandi of present-day Kenya. The territory occupied by the Bantu around Lake Victoria and to

4453-505: The possibility of polygamy. Bukusu Modern ethnicities Diaspora Performing arts Government agencies Television Radio Newspapers The Bukusu people ( Bukusu : Babukusu ) are one of the 17 Kenyan tribes of the Luhya Bantu people of East Africa residing mainly in the counties of Bungoma and Trans Nzoia . They are the largest tribe of the Luhya nation, with 1,188,963 identifying as Bukusu in

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4526-550: The region. As all the land in Kenya, west of Naivasha was mapped within the Uganda Protectorate, the Luhya people and other Kenyan communities were included in the Ugandan territory. In 1902, the boundaries were remapped and the Luhya peoples including the Wanga kingdom and their neighbouring communities which were on the eastern part of Uganda, were annexed to Kenya. The first European the Luhya had contact with

4599-429: The same hearth.” The 21 clans are the Bukusu ( Aba-Bukusu ), Idakho ( Av-Idakho ), Isukha ( Av-Isukha ), Kabras ( Aba-Kabras ), Khayo ( Aba-Khayo ), Kisa ( Aba-Kisa ), Marachi ( Aba-Marachi ), Maragoli ( Aba-Logoli ), Marama ( Aba-Marama ), Nyala ( Aba-Nyala ), Nyole ( Aba-Nyole ), Samia ( Aba-Samia ), Tiriki ( Aba-Tiriki ), Tsotso ( Abatsotso ), Wanga ( Aba-Wanga ), and Batura ( Abatura ) and

4672-680: The same sub-clan. 6. The Kabras speak Lukabarasi and occupy the northern part of Kakamega district. The Kabras were originally Banyala. They reside principally in Malava, in Kabras Division of Kakamega district. The Kabras (or Kabarasi, Kavalasi and Kabalasi) are sandwiched by the Isukha , Banyala and the Tachoni . The name "Kabras" comes from Avalasi which means 'Warriors' or 'Mighty Hunters.' They were fierce warriors who fought with

4745-413: The skull of the desecrated body and hanged it in a leafy tree. When the family of the deceased migrated, they brewed beer ( kamalwa ke khuukhalanga ) for the ceremony of transferring the skull with them to the new home or settlement. An elder woman was entrusted with the responsibility of conveying the skull to the new site. Burial of the dead was ingrained in the Bukusu traditions. The Bukusu people are

4818-591: The tribe for as long as can be remembered. This is authenticated by the vast amount of knowledge regarding farming practices, their rich pastoral vocabulary and the variety of legends connected with pastoral life. Today, they farm mainly maize for subsistence and sugar cane as a cash crop in the Bungoma area, as well as wheat in the Kitale area. Cattle and sheep are universally kept: cattle for milk, and sheep for meat and ceremonial functions (e.g.: offers for sacrifice). Larger or polygamous families will usually have

4891-496: The western part of Kenya. Administratively, they occupy mostly Western province, and the west-central part of Rift Valley province. Luhya migration into the Rift Valley is relatively recent, only dating back to the first few years after independence in 1963, when farms formerly occupied by colonial white settlers were bought by, or given to Africans. Western Kenya is one of the most densely populated parts of Kenya . Migration to their present Luhyaland (a term of endearment referring to

4964-858: The western side of Mount Elgon and one via the eastern side of Mount Elgon. Those who went via the western side of Mount Elgon included the Basilikwa, the Banabayi, the Baneala, the Bakikayi and the Bamalaba . The Mwalie cluster took the eastern side route and settled at the Mwalie hills. This area was already inhabited by some Kalenjin sub-nationalities like the Laku, the Sabiny( known by the bukusu as basawinja),

5037-413: Was a great warrior who was later deified by the people of Misri. His son Mwambu married Sela, the granddaughter Samba Ambarani, who is believed to be Abraham the Hebrew. Mwambu founded the cities of Kush, Nabibia (Nubia), Namelu ( Meroe ), Rwa (Alwa) and others including Soba and Balana. Mwambu became the father of Mwaabini the inventor and discoverer. Mwaabini was the father of Kongolo and Saba. Masaba,

5110-462: Was an elder. Several functions were performed during and after the funeral ceremony. Ordinarily, burial pits were 3–4 feet (0.91–1.22 m) deep, much shallower than today's. People were buried facing east, the direction in which the sun rises. There are two known clans amongst the Bukusu who bury their people in a sitting position. Wild animals like hyenas would sometimes exhume corpses from graves and eat them. In such an incident, people recovered

5183-428: Was based on the idea of the unbroken family line of a progenitor, but only includes male members of the family, whilst the women were referred to as " cognatic ". It is rarely possible to confirm biological parenthood in the case of ancient family lines (see bastardy ). In addition, the progenitor is often a distant ancestor, only known as a result of oral tradition . Where people groups and communities rely solely on

5256-582: Was probably Henry Morton Stanley as he voyaged around Lake Victoria. In 1883, Joseph Thomson was the first European known to pass through Luhya territory on foot, and was influential in opening the region to Europeans after his meeting with King Nabongo Mumia of the Wanga Kingdom. Significant numbers of the Luhya fought for the British in the Second World War, many as volunteers in the Kenya African Rifles (KAR). As with many African societies,

5329-534: Was probably motivated by a search for more and better land, and to escape local conflicts, tsetse flies, and mosquitoes. By about 1850, migration into Luhyaland was largely complete, and only minor internal movements took place after that due to food shortages, disease, and violent domestic conflicts. Luhya migration into the Rift Valley is relatively recent, only dating back to the first few years after independence in 1963, when farms formerly occupied by colonial white settlers were bought by, or given to Africans. One of

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