Wardey is a Somali clan who associated with the Dir clan family specifically the Madahweyne sub-clan. They are found in southern Somalia ( Lower Jubba ) and eastern Kenya , mostly along the Tana River . The Wardey are a pastoralist community. Mostly they live in Tana River County alongside Orma communities. They speak the Somali language and practice Islam .
25-658: The Wardey live in the respective cities of Garsen , Afmadow , Kismayo , Dhobley and Bangal . According to tradition, the Wardey, at that time identifying as a somali Dir clan were previous inhabitants that occupied the Jubba region prior to the Darod invasions. Historically, the Wardey were known as the rulers of the Waamo sultanate which is where the name Wardey comes from. In
50-511: A bulbous dome topped with a ceramic celadon bottle, similar to that of the Fakhr al-Din mosque, instead of a semi-dome. This borrowing of the bulbous dome concept suggests a diffusion of styles across the region. However, its widespread adoption may have been limited by the complex construction techniques required. The existence and unique features of the second mosque present a fascinating chronological puzzle. Could it be that this 'second' structure
75-807: A more comprehensive analysis of the archaeological data and a comparative study of regional architectural trends, is needed to fully unravel the chronological mysteries and understand the cultural exchanges that shaped these captivating structures. Despite the large area of the Tana River district , its only local authority is Tana River County Council. The district has three constituencies: Garsen , Galole and Bura ,15 wards, 54 locations, and one hundred nine (109) sub-Locations [1] . Religion in Tana River County The county consists of 81% Muslims, 18% Christians and 1% of people in other religions (including Atheism ). The major ethnic groups are
100-621: A possible connection, possibly related to a wider religious or political shift in the region around the mouth of the Tana River and Mida Bay. In particular, the addition of the third column opposite the mihrab may not have been purely functional but may reflect the influence of another Muslim sect within the community. Ungwana boasts a second mosque with a collection of intriguing architectural elements. The northern section of this mosque retains its original teak lintels imported from India, intricately carved with alveolar motifs. The mihrab arch has
125-406: A unique design, combining an ogee shape with a semicircle at the apex. The structure displays a rich array of decorative elements, including inlaid ceramics on the lintel and tympanum, an architrave decorated with fish bone motifs, and single-block coral columns with inlaid panels. The apse plan deviates from the norm, with triangular shapes and mouldings. In particular, the mihrab is surmounted by
150-562: A west–east direction from Kitui and Makueni Counties, draining into the River Tana and eventually into the Indian Ocean . The historic town of Ungwana, near the mouth of the Tana River , is home to two important mosques that share a curious relationship with the great mosques of Gedi . The city's Friday mosque , originally 17 metres long, featured an ogee arch framing the mihrab (prayer niche). Decorative coral bosses and
175-604: Is a small town located in Tana River County , Kenya . It is on the west bank of the Tana River . Garsen is located on the banks of the Tana River, in Tana River County, approximately 100 kilometres (62 mi) south of Hola , the location of the county headquarters. It lies along the Malindi – Garissa Road, approximately 112 kilometres (70 mi) north of Malindi. Garsen marks the western end of
200-568: Is also a regular problem, caused by heavy rainfall in upstream areas of the Tana River. A recent survey prepared by ALMRP, Tana River District presented to the Tana River District Steering Group (2004) found that the county is 79% food insecure and with an incidence of poverty at 62% (Interim Poverty Strategy Paper (I-PSP), 2000–2003, Kenya). Religion in Tana River County On 22 August 2012, in
225-467: The 122 kilometres (76 mi) Garsen–Witu–Lamu Highway . Tana River County Tana River County is a county in the former Coast Province of Kenya . It is named after the Tana River , the longest river in Kenya. It has an area of 38,437 km (14,841 sq mi) and had a population of 315,943 as of the 2019 census. The county borders Kitui County to the west, Garissa County to
250-578: The Orma,Somali (Wardey) and pokomo, Orma being the largest ethnic community. The second largest group are the Wardey people. The pokomo are traditionally farmers while the wardey and orma are pastrolist communities who raise cattle, sheep and goats and camels . The county is generally dry and prone to drought. Rainfall is erratic, with rainy seasons in March–May and October–December. Conflicts have occurred between farmers and other people over access to water. Flooding
275-423: The Orma. The Kenyan colonial government estimated the number of Orma in 1926 at 2,394.. In 1932 they were estimated at 5,000. This increase was due to the return of Wardey. The first full count of the Wardey took place in 1962. In 1979 they were estimated at 32,000. Between 1969 and 1979 their increase was 96%. This large increase was again due the Wardey returning.. This ‘back-migration’ has continued since. In 2009
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#1732779607950300-626: The Somali should remain on their bank of the Tana. A good number of the enslaved Orma returned, but since the British had limited military power, they were not in a position to guarantee the return of all the Orma who wanted to cross the river. Initially these back-migrants were called Wardey, also written as Waridei Wardeh and Wardei, etc, However in 1939, the Somalis refuted the agreement and no Wardey
325-505: The Somali. Since these Orma clients were, as long as they adhered to paying tribute and ‘symbolic’ submission, often allowed to live in their own villages and keep livestock. With some pressure of the British the Somali agreed to the Somali-Oromo agreement, which stated that the Orma could return to their brothers on the other side he Tana, provided they left half of their livestock with the Somali. This agreement also implied clearly that
350-641: The Wardet were counted as 74,146. In 2019 their number was 500,000. For the first time the category Wardey was available. Wardey waxay wada dhasheen beelaha kala ah: 1. Akisho 2. Layiile 3. Gurre 4. Gurgure 5. Gariire 6. Jiido 7. Jaarso Wardey waxay wada dhasheen beelaha kala ah: 1. Akisho 2. Layiile ( Reer Aw Siciid) 3. Gurre 4. Gurgure 5. Gariire 6. jiido 7. jaarso Mohamed Gure Mohamed Tana River County Government Yakub Adow Kuno MP Bura Constituency Mohamed Sheikh Abdi Galgalo Former MP Bura Constituency Garsen Garsen
375-502: The Wardey fled into the west bank Tana River, the remaining in the Jubba area and the east side of the Tana River became known as Wardey However, there here were regular Discussions In Tana River District and the North Eastern Province, this discussion focused around the position of the amongst the Wardey community. It was clear become that the oromo clients out of their free will, were in fact slaves and could not leave
400-852: The early 19th century they were at the height of their power when they inhabited almost all of the Westbank of Jubba River to their east bordering the powerful Geledi Sultanate . West Jubaland (roughly Northern and Eastern Kenya and South Western Somalia). In the 19th century the Darod Somali, particularly Ogaden, advanced southwards across the Dawa River. The first attempt in 1842 failed, but in 1844 they tried again and were allowed to enter as clients (shegats). The Darod then became herdsboys who were allowed to keep some animals of their own. Then these clients slowly consolidated their numbers until they had achieved parity with or even superiority over
425-513: The imprint of a lost square plaque (possibly ceramic or marble) adorned the lintel. Archaeological excavations have unearthed ceramic fragments dating to the 14th century, giving an indication of the possible date of the mosque's construction. A significant extension to the east marked the early 15th century for the Friday mosque. This new rectangular section mirrored the length of the original structure but offered slightly more width. The prayer hall
450-473: The northeast, Isiolo County to the north, Lamu County to the southeast, Kilifi County to the south and the Indian ocean The administrative headquarters of the county is Hola also known as Galole. The County has five (5) sub Counties; Tana Delta, Tana River, Tana North, Galedyertu, and Bangal. Apart from the River Tana, there are several seasonal rivers in the county popularly known as Galan, which flows in
475-620: The original inhabitants. Around 1865, when smallpox epidemiology weakened the Wardey, they were attacked by Darod from the North and to a lesser extent by the Kamba from the West and Maasai from the South. In 1867 the Somali invited the Wardey elders for a great peace offering. However, the feast turned out to be an ambush and thousands were slaughtered. Extensive Somali raids followed the offering. Most of
500-496: The qibla wall. The back of the minbar had intricate plaster mouldings, and small holes indicated the presence of a former wooden balustrade. These changes, estimated to have occurred between 1400 and 1450, raise intriguing questions about the motivations behind such a significant transformation. The timing of this expansion of the Friday mosque coincides with the construction of the new Grand Mosque in Gedi . This synchronicity suggests
525-511: The remaining Wardey were forced to cross the River Tana and sought refuge along the southern and eastern banks of the Tana River. Large numbers of Wardmen were killed and an estimated 8,000 women and children. In order to protect the remaining Wardey on the east bank of the Tana from the Darod , in 1909 the few remaining Wardey on the east bank of the Tana were moved by the British to the west bank. These Wardey now live in somalia and tana river Once
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#1732779607950550-623: The worst violent incident in Kenya since 2007, at least 52 people were killed in ethnic violence in Tana River County between the Orma and Pokomo communities residing in tana river county. Bura Irrigation and Settlement Project is located in Tana River County. During the years 1981-1988 about 2,200 families from different parts of Kenya were settled in this irrigation scheme. Tana River County consists of forest, woodland and grassland which are minor centers of endemism . The forests are designated National Reserve status if they have >4 plant endemics and >7 vertebrate endemics (IUCN, 2003). Despite
575-499: Was able to return until after the independence. In 1971 President Kenyatta officially welcomed the Wardey. Nowadays the term Wardey is mainly used for the clients who returned after Independence. Most of them speak Somali . Today, they speak Somali and have Somali culture, while claiming the Dir clan and viewing themselves as closer to Somalis then any other group Early population figures of the Wardey are unavailable. They were counted under
600-482: Was actually Ungwana's first great mosque, built in the 13th century? Perhaps it was later replaced by the larger Friday mosque, built in the 14th century and rebuilt in the 15th century. The architectural legacy of Ungwana's mosques, with their intriguing parallels to Gedi and hints of external influences, offers a glimpse into the dynamic artistic and religious landscape of the Swahili coast. Further research, including
625-421: Was divided into four bays separated by three rows of six square columns. The extension included additional entrances: four to the west provided access to the older section, while two with ogee arches to the east led to an antechamber and rooms flanking the mihrab. A notable feature of this extension is the addition of an octagonal pillar directly opposite the mihrab and a substantial seven-step minbar built against
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