Tribes and Religion of Kenya
Ethnic groups are: Kikuyu 22%, Luhya 14%, Luo 13%, Kalenjin 12%, Kamba 11%, Kisii 6%, Meru 6%, other African 15%, non-African (Asian, European, and Arab) 1%. Most Kenyans are bilingual in English and Swahili, also a large percentage speak the mother tongue of their ethnic tribe.
Due to the presence and influence of Christian missionaries across
the country during the 19th century and in the years since, some 45% of
Kenyans identify as Christians today. The Catholic and Anglican Churches
are the most well established in the country, and missionaries from
these churches and a number of others maintain a presence in the country
to this day offering medical, educational, and religious aid.
As is the case in many countries today, Kenya also has a growing Islamic community. Mombasa on the country's coast has the largest population of Muslims, but the religion has a presence in most regions and cities. Roughly 10% of Kenyans identify as Muslim.
The country is also home to a growing Indian population, meaning that Buddhism and Sikhism are not uncommon. Prior to the advent of Christianity in Kenya, the nation's native people practised a number of traditional tribal beliefs. Each tribe typically practised monotheism – the belief that there was a single God, known as 'Ngai' or 'Were' among other names. Each tribe also had its own creation mythology and beliefs that generally tied in closely with the land in which they lived. Sadly, many tribes have since foregone their original beliefs in favour of Christianity. Of those who still practice their original beliefs, the Maasai, Samburu, and Turkana tribes are the most prominent. This isn't to say that modern Kenyans do not still believe in some facets of their original religions – with ancestor worship and even witchcraft still believed in by some.
As is the case in many countries today, Kenya also has a growing Islamic community. Mombasa on the country's coast has the largest population of Muslims, but the religion has a presence in most regions and cities. Roughly 10% of Kenyans identify as Muslim.
The country is also home to a growing Indian population, meaning that Buddhism and Sikhism are not uncommon. Prior to the advent of Christianity in Kenya, the nation's native people practised a number of traditional tribal beliefs. Each tribe typically practised monotheism – the belief that there was a single God, known as 'Ngai' or 'Were' among other names. Each tribe also had its own creation mythology and beliefs that generally tied in closely with the land in which they lived. Sadly, many tribes have since foregone their original beliefs in favour of Christianity. Of those who still practice their original beliefs, the Maasai, Samburu, and Turkana tribes are the most prominent. This isn't to say that modern Kenyans do not still believe in some facets of their original religions – with ancestor worship and even witchcraft still believed in by some.
Kenya Maasai
The most famous tribal people not only in Kenya but in the
world, the Maasai people have spread out across Kenya and Tanzania and
remain largely in touch with their original beliefs and culture.
Where most Kenyan tribes have adopted the modern western lifestyle, the Maasai people lead lives quite similar to those they have lived for thousands of years. Perhaps the most famous practice of the Maasai is their proud warrior tradition, around which much of their social life revolves. When a Maasai boy reaches the appropriate age (generally between the age of 12 and 25) his father may decide that he is ready to become a man. After a painful circumcision ritual, the young warriors to be spend several months away from home for training and further ceremony, and generally live apart from their tribe until they return as senior warriors.
Senior warriors are important figures within their tribe, charged with defending the village. They are able to take multiple wives provided they have the wealth to support them. In Maasai terms, wealth is measured in the amount of cattle an individual owns; although modern Maasai may hold other jobs that generate income.
Cattle remain a central part of Maasai life to this day, and the animals comprise a large portion of the Maasai diet. They do not only eat the meat and drink the milk of the animals, but also drink the blood. Other animals the Maasai eat include goats and sheep. Despite the abundance of game animals such as antelope in Kenya, the Maasai do not eat these animals. They believe God (known to the Maasai as Enkai)s gave them goats, sheep, and cattle for eating, and do not need the native animals.
Priests of the Maasai religion are known as laibon, and are believed to be a direct descendent of Enkai – who is both male and female. Laibon are not political leaders, but are believed to have the power to heal or to predict the future. Because of their reliance on herd animals over agriculture, the Maasai typically need a great deal of land to maintain their nomadic lifestyles.
Conservancies in Kenya and Tanzania cater to this wandering lifestyle, and it is possible for tourists to visit Maasai villages in both countries.
While those villages that allow visitors tend to be somewhat less authentic as a result of their exposure to western culture, it is still a fascinating cultural experience and a popular part of any Kenyan safari.
Where most Kenyan tribes have adopted the modern western lifestyle, the Maasai people lead lives quite similar to those they have lived for thousands of years. Perhaps the most famous practice of the Maasai is their proud warrior tradition, around which much of their social life revolves. When a Maasai boy reaches the appropriate age (generally between the age of 12 and 25) his father may decide that he is ready to become a man. After a painful circumcision ritual, the young warriors to be spend several months away from home for training and further ceremony, and generally live apart from their tribe until they return as senior warriors.
Senior warriors are important figures within their tribe, charged with defending the village. They are able to take multiple wives provided they have the wealth to support them. In Maasai terms, wealth is measured in the amount of cattle an individual owns; although modern Maasai may hold other jobs that generate income.
Cattle remain a central part of Maasai life to this day, and the animals comprise a large portion of the Maasai diet. They do not only eat the meat and drink the milk of the animals, but also drink the blood. Other animals the Maasai eat include goats and sheep. Despite the abundance of game animals such as antelope in Kenya, the Maasai do not eat these animals. They believe God (known to the Maasai as Enkai)s gave them goats, sheep, and cattle for eating, and do not need the native animals.
Priests of the Maasai religion are known as laibon, and are believed to be a direct descendent of Enkai – who is both male and female. Laibon are not political leaders, but are believed to have the power to heal or to predict the future. Because of their reliance on herd animals over agriculture, the Maasai typically need a great deal of land to maintain their nomadic lifestyles.
Conservancies in Kenya and Tanzania cater to this wandering lifestyle, and it is possible for tourists to visit Maasai villages in both countries.
While those villages that allow visitors tend to be somewhat less authentic as a result of their exposure to western culture, it is still a fascinating cultural experience and a popular part of any Kenyan safari.
The Embu Tribe
Dwelling on the fertile south eastern side of Mount Kenya, the Embu
comprise roughly half a million people and are closely tied to the
neighbouring Mbeere tribe with whom they still trade. The Embu are
typically farmers, raising crops both to feed their families and to
sell. Embu typically have smaller families than in other prominent
African tribes, and both males and females are circumcised.
The original Embu religion revered a god named Ngai who lived atop Mount Kenya, but modern Embu are predominantly Christian.
The original Embu religion revered a god named Ngai who lived atop Mount Kenya, but modern Embu are predominantly Christian.
The Kalenjin Tribe
Made up of between 3 and 4 million Kenyans, the concept of 'Kalenjin'
is a relatively new one, having been pioneered by as many as ten Nandi
speaking tribes in the 1950s as a way to gain greater political power.
Because of this amalgamation of multiple tribes, the history of the
Kalenjin people is a difficult one to pin down. There is no one unified
history for these people, but they do share similar cultural traits
including a strict age group social structure, circumcision, polygamy,
and a strong oral storytelling tradition.
The Kalenjin religion believed in a god called Asis, who was symbolised by the sun. The spirits of departed ancestors were also revered, and sacrifices were made in their honour. These days, like many tribes in Kenya, the Kalenjin practice Christianity mixed with some of their traditional beliefs. The Kalenjin are most famous around the world as a tribe that produces accomplished runners. Of the 39 gold medals Kenyans have won for running at the Summer Olympics, 75% of the medal winners have come from the Kalenjin tribe.
The Kalenjin religion believed in a god called Asis, who was symbolised by the sun. The spirits of departed ancestors were also revered, and sacrifices were made in their honour. These days, like many tribes in Kenya, the Kalenjin practice Christianity mixed with some of their traditional beliefs. The Kalenjin are most famous around the world as a tribe that produces accomplished runners. Of the 39 gold medals Kenyans have won for running at the Summer Olympics, 75% of the medal winners have come from the Kalenjin tribe.
The Kamba Tribe
A tribe of agriculturalists and traders, the Kamba (sometimes known
as the Akamba) call the central and eastern parts of Kenya home. The
Kamba are also known as accomplished artists, and Kamba pottery and wood
carving are popular souvenirs for visitors to Kenya. Originally from
the west of Tansania, the Kamba migrated sometime in the 18th century
and have since settled in eastern Kenya. Large populations of the Kamba
can be found to this day in modern coastal cities.
Like many Kenyan tribes, the Kamba practice circumcision (both male and female) and are a patriarchal society in which the male is the head of the household. Cattle are an important form of currency, and a bride to be's family must be paid in cattle before marriage can be arranged. The Kamba originally believed in a God called Ngai (or sometimes Mulungu) who was a merciful, but unapproachable figure.
People would make offerings to the spirits of their ancestors to act as go betweens between themselves and Ngai. Today, the majority of Kamba are Christian.
Like many Kenyan tribes, the Kamba practice circumcision (both male and female) and are a patriarchal society in which the male is the head of the household. Cattle are an important form of currency, and a bride to be's family must be paid in cattle before marriage can be arranged. The Kamba originally believed in a God called Ngai (or sometimes Mulungu) who was a merciful, but unapproachable figure.
People would make offerings to the spirits of their ancestors to act as go betweens between themselves and Ngai. Today, the majority of Kamba are Christian.
The Kikuyu Tribe of Kenya
Making up 22% of the Kenyan population, the Kikuyu number about 6
million people and are the largest ethnic group in the country. A tribe
who have embraced the modern 'western' way of life, the Kikuyu have
enjoyed great economic and political power in Kenya since the nation's
founding.
Three of Kenya's presidents have been from the Kikuyu tribe. Originally farmers in the lands surrounding Mount Kenya, the Kikuyu lost much of their traditional lands to the British during the colonial era. This lead to great unrest within the country and contributed to the Mau Mau rebellion that was a catalyst for the independence of Kenya.
Although they regain their ancestral lands following the rebellion, the Kikuyu these days live all over Kenya. Prior to converting to Christianity, the Kikuyu believed in a God called Ngai who lived atop Mount Kenya. Similar to the Christian belief in an Adam & Eve, the Kikuyu believed humanity had arisen from a single man (Kikuyu) and woman (Mumbi) who had nine children that would go on to become the Kikuyu. The Kikuyu traditionally practice polygamy, allowing men to take multiple wives. In an interesting twist on this arrangement, wives were also allowed to take male lovers. The children of such affairs would become the property of the husbands and be raised as if they were his own.
Three of Kenya's presidents have been from the Kikuyu tribe. Originally farmers in the lands surrounding Mount Kenya, the Kikuyu lost much of their traditional lands to the British during the colonial era. This lead to great unrest within the country and contributed to the Mau Mau rebellion that was a catalyst for the independence of Kenya.
Although they regain their ancestral lands following the rebellion, the Kikuyu these days live all over Kenya. Prior to converting to Christianity, the Kikuyu believed in a God called Ngai who lived atop Mount Kenya. Similar to the Christian belief in an Adam & Eve, the Kikuyu believed humanity had arisen from a single man (Kikuyu) and woman (Mumbi) who had nine children that would go on to become the Kikuyu. The Kikuyu traditionally practice polygamy, allowing men to take multiple wives. In an interesting twist on this arrangement, wives were also allowed to take male lovers. The children of such affairs would become the property of the husbands and be raised as if they were his own.
The Kisii Tribe Kenya
With lands along the fertile shores of Lake Victoria, the Kisii
derive a great deal of economic and financial power from their tea and
coffee plantations. A modern and fecund tribe, the Kisii are one of the
fastest growing ethnic groups in the world and have spread across all of
Kenya. Kisii history is one rich with conflict, as the tribe would
often feud with the neighbouring Maasai, Luo, and Nandi tribes. To this
day, the Kisii are seen as a strong and aggressive people.
While 75% of Kisii people now identify as Christian, many still hold to their original belief in a God named Engoro. The supreme creator and the force behind thunder and lightning, Engoro could only be spoken to through the spirits of ancestors. Medicine men were both healers and protectors aganist witchcraft, and witchcraft is still feared to this day even by modern, Christian Kisii. Unlike the majority of Kenyan tribes, Kisii society is not divided up by age sets.
Several generations of Kisii will live together and work closely together, rather than only socialising with those in their own age set.
While 75% of Kisii people now identify as Christian, many still hold to their original belief in a God named Engoro. The supreme creator and the force behind thunder and lightning, Engoro could only be spoken to through the spirits of ancestors. Medicine men were both healers and protectors aganist witchcraft, and witchcraft is still feared to this day even by modern, Christian Kisii. Unlike the majority of Kenyan tribes, Kisii society is not divided up by age sets.
Several generations of Kisii will live together and work closely together, rather than only socialising with those in their own age set.
The Luhya Tribe Kenya
The second largest ethnic group in Kenya, the Luhya comprise roughly
5.3 million people from between 16 and 18 sub groups. Agriculturalists
who traditionally dwelt in the lands between Lake Victoria and the
border with Uganda, the Luhya are a modern tribe who live in many cities
across Kenya.
The Luhya believed in a God called Were and also worshipped the spirits of ancestors, but many have now converted to Christianity. The Luhya are distinct in being a tribe that does not practice female circumcision, although males are circumcised between the ages of 8 and 15, usually at large annual ceremonies. These ceremonies create age sets comprised of individuals who were circumcised in the same ceremony. Another interesting practice of the Luhya came at times of death and mourning. All mourners would come and stay with the family of the deceased for forty days to sing songs, tell stories, and celebrate the memory of the departed.
Modern Luhya have replaced this forty day vigil with a shorter one (generally a week), but this mourning period remains an intriguing part of Luhya culture.
The Luhya believed in a God called Were and also worshipped the spirits of ancestors, but many have now converted to Christianity. The Luhya are distinct in being a tribe that does not practice female circumcision, although males are circumcised between the ages of 8 and 15, usually at large annual ceremonies. These ceremonies create age sets comprised of individuals who were circumcised in the same ceremony. Another interesting practice of the Luhya came at times of death and mourning. All mourners would come and stay with the family of the deceased for forty days to sing songs, tell stories, and celebrate the memory of the departed.
Modern Luhya have replaced this forty day vigil with a shorter one (generally a week), but this mourning period remains an intriguing part of Luhya culture.
The Luo Tribe Kenya
The third largest tribe in Kenya, the Luo make up approximately 12%
of the nation's population. Their traditional territories extend beyond
the Kenyan borders to include lands in Tanzania, Uganda, and Sudan. A
politically active people, the Luo tend to hold positions in the
opposition to the majority Kikuyu party that has produced three of
Kenya's presidents. With lands predominantly in western Kenya, the Luo
were not a tribe who had a great deal of involvement in the Mua Mua
religion. Their interactions with European colonists were limited,
although modern Luo have adapted quickly to the western lifestyle and
most follow Christianity. The Luo are unusual in Kenya in that
circumcision is not a large part of their society, with marriage and
death being the more prominent rites of passage. The Luo also have a
rich musical tradition, with songs and instrumental music being a large
part of their lives. Barack Obama's father is Luo, a point of pride with
the heavily political people.
The Meru Tribe Kenya
Not to be confused with the tribe of the same name in Tanzania, the
Meru do share one point of commonality with the people who call Mount
Meru their ancestral home, with the Kenyan Meru having settled on the
slopes of Mount Kenya.
Meru history is one rich with myth and folklore, and their creation mythology bears a striking resemblance to that of Judaism – including a prophet left in a reed basket, a king who ordered the deaths of the first born, and an escape from slavery by a 'Red People'. The Meru place a great deal of emphasis on male circumcision as a rite of passage, and share the practice of brides being paid for in cattle with other major Kenyan tribes. Marriage typically takes place as soon as circumcision is healed. Religiously, the Meru traditionally followed a single god known as either Arega Kuthera or Murungu, as well as a complex spirit world that included the kind spirits of departed ancestors and evil spirits who were to be feared. Interestingly for a people who revere the spirits of the dead, the Meru consider the physical dead to be unclean. Those close to death are encouraged to leave their homes and die elsewhere, as dying in one's own home would require the house to be burned down to cleanse it.
The mugwe were the priests and spiritual leaders of the Meru, although this role has fallen into disuse with the advent of Christianity.
Meru history is one rich with myth and folklore, and their creation mythology bears a striking resemblance to that of Judaism – including a prophet left in a reed basket, a king who ordered the deaths of the first born, and an escape from slavery by a 'Red People'. The Meru place a great deal of emphasis on male circumcision as a rite of passage, and share the practice of brides being paid for in cattle with other major Kenyan tribes. Marriage typically takes place as soon as circumcision is healed. Religiously, the Meru traditionally followed a single god known as either Arega Kuthera or Murungu, as well as a complex spirit world that included the kind spirits of departed ancestors and evil spirits who were to be feared. Interestingly for a people who revere the spirits of the dead, the Meru consider the physical dead to be unclean. Those close to death are encouraged to leave their homes and die elsewhere, as dying in one's own home would require the house to be burned down to cleanse it.
The mugwe were the priests and spiritual leaders of the Meru, although this role has fallen into disuse with the advent of Christianity.
The Mijikenda Tribe Kenya
A conglomeration of nine different tribes (Mijikenda means 'nine
cities'), the Mijikenda dwell on the coast of Kenya and Tanzania.
Comprised of the Kauma, Chonyi, Jibana, Giriama, Kamabe, Ribe, Rabai,
Duruma, and Digo people, the Mijikenda share a common language with nine
dialects. The tribe has traditionally strong ties with the neighbouring
Swahili. Sometimes known as nyika (bush people), the Mijikenda consider
parts of the nearby forests to be sacred. These 'kaya forests' are not
cleared for agriculture, although in recent years the necessity for
greater land for tourism or residential areas has meant the sacred areas
have been cleared against the wishes of the Mijikenda.
Each village is lead by the eldest generation, who are responsible for such varied tasks as solving disputes, providing rain, and managing the kaya forests. If elders were not able to produce rain (as is often the case during droughts), they were removed from power. Like many Kenyan tribes, circumcision is an important rite of passage and means of creating age sets. Farmers by trade, the Mijikenda especially prize the coconut palm. Traditionally, the Majikenda practised 'pawning', the act of owning and selling other people. This pawning is no longer practised, obviously.
Each village is lead by the eldest generation, who are responsible for such varied tasks as solving disputes, providing rain, and managing the kaya forests. If elders were not able to produce rain (as is often the case during droughts), they were removed from power. Like many Kenyan tribes, circumcision is an important rite of passage and means of creating age sets. Farmers by trade, the Mijikenda especially prize the coconut palm. Traditionally, the Majikenda practised 'pawning', the act of owning and selling other people. This pawning is no longer practised, obviously.
The Rendille Tribe
A semi-nomadic people traditionally from the arid Kaisut Desert, the
Rendille have been forced to adopt a more settled existence due to years
of drought. Today, Korr is a town made up predominantly of settled
Rendille people.
Unlike the majority of Kenyan tribes who see cattle as their most important livestock, the Rendille rely on camels to provide them with both milk and meat due to the arid lands that they call home. A semi-nomadic people, the Rendille follow a strict land management model that sees them relocate only two or three times a year.
Like other major Kenyan tribes, practises such as circumcision, arranged marriage, and a warrior subculture. Unlike other Kenyan tribes, however, the Rednille still hold on to their original religious beliefs; revering a god known as Wakh or Ngai. Stone or bone casting is used to predict the future.
Unlike the majority of Kenyan tribes who see cattle as their most important livestock, the Rendille rely on camels to provide them with both milk and meat due to the arid lands that they call home. A semi-nomadic people, the Rendille follow a strict land management model that sees them relocate only two or three times a year.
Like other major Kenyan tribes, practises such as circumcision, arranged marriage, and a warrior subculture. Unlike other Kenyan tribes, however, the Rednille still hold on to their original religious beliefs; revering a god known as Wakh or Ngai. Stone or bone casting is used to predict the future.
The Samburu Tribe
A small tribe made up of only around 150,00 individuals, the Samburu
call the lands of the Rift Valley in northern Kenya their home. Like the
Maasai whom they bear a great resemblance to, Samburu society revolves
heavily around the herds of cattle and goats that they keep. Wealth is
measured by the size of an individual's herd. Like the Maasai, the
Samburu practice circumcision as a rite of passage and have a warrior
class within their tribes.
Polygamy is practised and men are able to have as many wives as their wealth allows them to afford. Religiously, the Samburu believe in a god known as Ngai or Nkai, who lives in the mountain peaks surrounding their lands. Rather than relying on ancestor spirits to speak to their god for them, the Samburu pray directly to their god.
Due to their historical conflicts with the Somali people, the Samburu are suspicious of Islam, and have also resisted Christianity's spread.
Polygamy is practised and men are able to have as many wives as their wealth allows them to afford. Religiously, the Samburu believe in a god known as Ngai or Nkai, who lives in the mountain peaks surrounding their lands. Rather than relying on ancestor spirits to speak to their god for them, the Samburu pray directly to their god.
Due to their historical conflicts with the Somali people, the Samburu are suspicious of Islam, and have also resisted Christianity's spread.
The Somali Tribe
While the majority of the Somali tribe dwells within neighbouring
Somalia, roughly half a million people who identify as Somali live in
eastern Kenya. The tribe pre-dates the existence of the nation of
Somalia, with its people having lived in modern day Kenya, Somalia, and
Djibouti before the colonial era. Due to their extensive contact with
Arabic people along the coasts of Somalia, the Somali people have been a
predominantly Muslim people for almost a thousand years. This religious
belief is evident in Somali culture, with pork seen as a forbidden food
and women expected to cover themselves. Female circumcision, which is
not uncommon in many Kenyan tribes, is practised in a particularly
brutal way by the Somali people. Marriages between older men and younger
women are also common.
The Swahili Tribe
A coastal tribe of traders, the Swahili have enjoyed extensive
contact with other tribes and nations over their history. Their
language, Swahili, is spoken across a number of East African countries
and is one of the two official languages in Kenya. Their contact with
other nations has made it difficult to establish what is traditional in
Swahili culture, as they have adopted a great many customs and beliefs
from those they have encountered. The strongest influence on the Swahili
people is their Muslim religion, which is practised among Swahili
people much as it is elsewhere in the world.
The Taita Tribe
A minor tribe of some 250,000 people residing in south-eastern Kenya,
the Taita speak a language similar to Swahili and have largely
abandoned their traditional ways in adopting the modern lifestyle.
Traditionally, the Taita were farmers whose success at producing food
lead to a rapid growth in population. These days, having successfully
assimilated into modern life, very little of the Taita traditions
remain.
The Turkana Tribe
Calling the dry lands around the seasonal Lake Turkana home, the
Turkana people number approximately 350,000 people who still lead rural
lives much as they have for centuries. Their isolation has allowed them
to maintain their traditional beliefs, and they have so far resisted the
spread of Christianity that has converted so many other Kenyan people.
A nomadic people who raise cattle, goats, sheep, and camels, families are generally quite large as sons remain with their father's family even after they have married and had their own children. The Turkana do not practice circumcision, but instead practice a number of less painful initiation rites into adulthood for their men. Girls become women when they are married. The Turkana still worship Akuj, a god whom they can pray to directly or implore for help through the spirits of their ancestors.
They are not a particularly devout people, usually only speaking to their god in times when rain is needed.
A nomadic people who raise cattle, goats, sheep, and camels, families are generally quite large as sons remain with their father's family even after they have married and had their own children. The Turkana do not practice circumcision, but instead practice a number of less painful initiation rites into adulthood for their men. Girls become women when they are married. The Turkana still worship Akuj, a god whom they can pray to directly or implore for help through the spirits of their ancestors.
They are not a particularly devout people, usually only speaking to their god in times when rain is needed.
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