The major tribes in Kenya are Luo, Kalenjin, Kamba, Kikuyu and Luhya which together account for 70% of the total population. In their rural homes, these tribes exhibit distinct cultural code of practices and traditions peculiar to each [pretty different from the others]. We are flexible in these itineraries as the number of days depends on which tribe, season, occasion and distance from the starting point. Bellow is a brief description of some of the tribes adding to the marvel of this unique Nation
LUO
This is a Nilotic tribe settled around Lake Victoria mainly due to their ageless traditional occupation of fishing. History traces their migration to this area from South Sudan around the 15th century in search of pasture and fishing areas. In real sense this is the biggest single tribal block in the country, speaking one language and believing in a common route or origin [not sub-tribes put together] and they form about 15% of the total population in Kenya, save for those in Tanzania and Uganda.
The leading lights in political arena, especially the struggle for independence from this tribe were Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Tom Joseph Mboya [assassinated in 1969]. It remains the most cohesive political block in Kenya.
The luo have influenced the music scene decisively stamping the popular "Benga style" that has since spread to other countries.
Their unique initiation, the removal of six lower teeth, has since changed and they also never circumcised nor practiced FGM. Polygamy is widely practiced and respect, recognition and preference are to those with many wives and children.
There is organization and family is part of a larger grouping of families [Dhoot] or clan, which combine to form Oganda. Several ogendni (plural for oganda) form Piny.
In Luo, age, wealth and respect are converging, and elders control family resources including representation of the family in affairs beyond the compound.
Occasional hunting sprees are organized and gathering is still practiced in small scale.
KALENJIN
Although referred to as a single ethnic entity, Kalenjin is a loose collection of several Nilotic groups including Turgen, Kipsigis, Nandi, Marakwet and Pokot people. They have a distinct tradition and lifestyle but different dialects of the same language. They amassed a considerable political power during the leadership of president Moi [1978-2002].
Kalenjin are traditionally along the western edge of the central Rift Valley region including Eldoret, Kericho, Kitale, and Baringo and around Mt. Elgon area.
Today farmers primarily, Kalenjins were pastoralists except for the Kipsigis who still adore cattle, occasionally putting them on war-Perth with their neighbors.
They owe their farming skills to the Luo and Luhya between 16th and 17th centuries.
Koitalel, a Nandi chief, organized a heavy resistance to the construction of the Kenya -Uganda Railway causing delay until he was killed. Their doctors were women skilled in the use of herbs.
Initiation was by circumcision and age-groups set then. They are athletes, notable for world-class long distance runners.
MAASAI
This is the definitive symbol of "East Africa" yet forms only 5% of the total population in Kenya and Tanzania. They have conserved their ethnic identity and tradition against all odds and opposition from all corners of the world.
They still posses large herds of cattle and lead semi-nomadic life, despising agriculture and the idea of land ownership.
Their artistic traditions can be seen vividly in the striking body decorations and beaded ornaments worn by both men and women. Women are especially famous for their magnificent beaded plate-like necklaces.
Their initiation involves circumcision and part of the ceremony where a man becomes a Moran [warrior] entails men going out at around 14 years to build small livestock camps after their circumcision and only return home to marry after 8 years.
They share a lot of cultural practices and language with the Samburu of northern Kenya.
KIKUYU
This is the biggest conglomeration of sub-tribes in to one ethnic group in the country that comprise 20% of the total population.
They are Bantu believed to have migrated to the area around Mt. Kenya, locally known to them as Kirinyaga [meaning the mountain of brightness], around the 16th century. They have the nine original clans known as mwaki, tracing their origin to Gikuyu and Mumbi. Each mwaki is made of a group of many families, Nyumba, whose administration was by the council of elders. Witch doctor, medicine man and blacksmith were highly placed.
Kikuyu God, Ngai, is believed to reside on Mt. Kenya, and even today most of their homes are built facing Mt. Kenya.
Initiation consists of circumcision of boys and clitoridectomy for girls, though the later is becoming less common.
They played a great role in the struggle for independence through Mau Mau and remained pretty dominant in politics of the country and business. The first president of the nation was a Kikuyu. This has proven to be a big source of ongoing friction with other groups and a persistent stumbling block on Kenya's path to national integration.
by James Muraguri Gichohi
