Luhya people
This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these template messages)
|
Total population | |
---|---|
Kenya: 6,823,482 (2019) African Traditional Religion | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Masaba people and other Great Lakes Bantu People |
Person | OmuLuyia |
---|---|
People | AbaLuyia |
Language | OluLuyia |
Country | EbuLuyia |
The Luhya (also known as Abaluyia or Luyia) are a
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 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.[3]
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.[4] The word “Luhya" or “Luyia" in some of 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 the same hearth.”[5]
The 21 clans are the
The principal traditional settlement area of the Luhya is in what was formerly the
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.
Multiple West African populations, including 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. [9]
Part of a series on the |
Culture of Kenya |
---|
Cuisine |
Origins and history
Overview
This article possibly contains original research. (August 2023) |
The most powerful centralized kingdom in what is now Kenya was founded by the Wanga. []
Pre-colonial period
This article possibly contains original research. (August 2023) |
Early migration 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.
Their pre-colonial identity and boundaries were imagined [by whom?][citation needed] making reference to a purported common territory once occupied by a community of peoples, speaking a similar language (although the language and the name only came into existence with work of the Luyia Language Committee, founded in 1941),[original research?] to cultural traditions now presented as shared, and to the supposed leadership of a particular ruler or king.[original research?] [citation needed]
One of the oldest maps of Western Kenya indicate Luyialand as Usaba region,[citation needed] meaning: area occupied by masaba speaking people, this name is still used by Gisu of Uganda. The name Masaba, means North in Luluyia language. [citation needed] This territory neighboured the Baganda, Basoga and Bagisu of present-day Uganda, and the Luo, Teso, and Nandi of present-day Kenya.[citation needed] The territory occupied by the Bantu around Lake Victoria and to the north of Lake Victoria was known as Kavirondo [citation needed] "Bantu Kavirondo" [citation needed] previously used to refer to the Luhya and other Bantu communities in the area.[citation needed]
The Wanga are a tribe of the Luhya people of Kenya. They mainly occupy Butere-Mumias and Kakamega Districts, two of the 8 districts of Kenya's Western Province. The Wanga ancestors were part of the migration that settled in the Kampala area and formed the Buganda or Baganda Kingdom. The Wanga were ruled by Nabongo Mumia. Other leaders among the Luhya were known as Baami (singular Mwami), a title translating to 'Kings' or 'Lords.'[citation needed][original research?]
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 the region. [citation needed] The construction of the Kenya-Uganda railway began in 1898 and further opened opportunities for European interaction with the Luhya and other communities in the western part of Kenya. Nabongo Mumia's dominion extended to other Luhya subgroups such as the Kabras and the Tsotso. [original research?]
In the late 1800s, when European nations began their
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.
Colonial period
The first European the Luhya had contact with was probably Henry Morton Stanley as he voyaged around Lake Victoria. [citation needed][dubious ] 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 Mumia of the Wanga Kingdom.
The Wanga Kingdom was very similar to the Baganda kingdom [who?]and other monarchies in Uganda,[original research?] [citation needed] Mumia [who?] was the last sovereign king of the Wanga, [original research?] [citation needed] and was called a chief.
The
In the 1940s and 1950s, the Bukusu resisted the British under the leadership of Elijah Masinde, a religious sect leader and prophet who demanded the return of their lands. Masinde was imprisoned during the Mau Mau rebellion in the 1950s, but was released to his home area at independence in 1963.[original research?] [citation needed]
The Kabras [who?] and the Wanga collaborated peacefully with the British. Most Luhyas from the Kabras clan joined the colonial-era police forces. Nabongo Mumia, was forced to sign treaties with the British after being defeated. [original research?] [citation needed]
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, 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. [citation needed]
Other famous chiefs during the colonial time included Ndombi wa Namusia, Sudi Namachanja, Namutala and Ongoma Laurende. [citation needed]
Luhya Clans and Sub-clans
Luhya tribe | Population 1999 | Luhya variety[16] | Region |
---|---|---|---|
Luhya | 3,944,257 | Busia (Kenya) | |
Bukusu | 1,188,968 | Lubukusu
|
Bungoma (Kenya) |
Idakho | 54,661 | Lwidakho
|
Kakamega (Kenya) |
Isukha | 101,789 | Lwisukha
|
Kakamega (Kenya) |
Kabras | 136,546 | Lukabarasi
|
Kakamega (Kenya) |
Khayo | 68,703 | Olukhayo
|
Busia (Kenya) |
Kisa | 45,135 | Olushisa
|
Kakamega (Kenya) |
Maragoli |
934,926 |
Lulogooli
|
Maragoli, Vihiga (Kenya) |
Marachi | 65,633 | Olumarachi/Bumarachi
|
Busia (Kenya) |
Marama | 43,075 | Olumarama
|
Kakamega (Kenya) |
Nyala | 227,165 | Lunyala (east) , Lunyala (west) |
Busia (Kenya) |
Nyole | Olunyore (Kenya)
|
Vihiga (Kenya), Tororo (Uganda) | |
Samia | 84,828 | Lusamia
|
Busia (Kenya) |
Tachoni | 85,597 | Lutachoni
|
Lugari, Malava (Kenya) |
Tiriki | 93,393 | Lutirichi
|
Vihiga (Kenya) |
Tsotso | 92,687 | Olutsotso
|
Kakamega (Kenya) |
Wanga | 94,190 | Oluwanga
|
Kakamega District (Kenya) |
1. The
2. The Samia speak Lusamia and occupy Southern Region of Busia District (Busia county), Kenya. The sub-clans of 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 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 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 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. [citation needed] Chief Ndombi was succeeded by his son, Andrea.[citation needed]
Andrea was succeeded by Paulo Udoto, Mukopi, Wanjala, Barasa Ongeti, Matayo Oyalo and Muterwa in that order.[citation needed]
The sub-clans of 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 the same sub-clan.[citation needed]
6. The Kabras speak Lukabarasi and occupy the northern part of Kakamega district. The Kabras were originally Banyala.[citation needed] 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 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.[citation needed]
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 the families. [citation needed]
The Kabras were under the rulership of Nabongo Mumia of the Wanga and were represented by an elder in his
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 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
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. [18] (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.[19] 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.[19] The Saniaga sub-clan found among 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. [citation needed]
Although Trans Nzoia is in the Rift Valley province, substantial Luhya populations have settled in the Kitale area.
Population and politics
In Kenyan politics, 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. [
Others who have held high-profile political offices include, Musalia Mudavadi, current
Culture
Luhya culture is comparable to most Bantu cultural practices.
About 10 to 15 families traditionally made up a village, headed by a village headman (Omukasa). [citation needed] Oweliguru is a title for a village leader coined from the English word "Crew." [citation needed] Within a family, the man of the home was the ultimate authority, followed by his first-born son. In a polygamous family, the first wife held the most prestigious position among women.
The first-born son of the first wife was usually the main heir to his father, even if he happened to be younger than his half-brothers from his father's other wives. Daughters had no permanent position in Luhya families as they would eventually become other men's wives. They did not inherit property and were excluded from decision-making meetings within the family. Today, girls are allowed to inherit property, in accordance with Kenyan law.
Children are named after the sub-clan's ancestors, that is, after their grandparents and after the events, or the weather. The paternal grandparents take precedence so that the first-born son will usually be named after his paternal grandfather (Kuka or 'Guga' in Maragoli) while the first-born daughter will be named after her paternal grandmother ('Kukhu' or 'Guku' in Maragoli.) [citation needed]
Subsequent children may be named after maternal grandparents, after significant events, such as weather, seasons, etc. The name Wafula, for example, is given to a boy born during the rainy season (ifula). Wanjala is given to one born during famine (injala). [citation needed]
Traditionally, they practiced
Instances of eloping were and are still common. Young men would elope with willing girls, with negotiations for a dowry to be conducted later. In such cases, the young man would also pay a fine to the parents of the girl. Abductions are normal. From December 2019 through June 2020, Human Rights Watch interviewed 37 people about the kidnappings, including 28 female survivors of sexual violence, 5 of whom were children at the time of the abuse. As polygamy is allowed, a middle-aged man will typically have two to three wives.
When a man got very old and handed over the running of his homestead to his sons, the sons would sometimes find a young woman for the old man to marry. Such girls were normally those who could not find men to marry them, usually because they had children out of wedlock. Wife inheritance was and is also practiced.
A widow would normally be inherited by her husband's brother or cousin. In some cases, the eldest son would inherit his father's widows (though not his own mother). Modern-day Luhyas do not practice some of the traditional customs as most have adopted a Christian way of life. Many Luhyas live in towns and cities for most of their lives and only return to settle in the rural areas after retirement or the death of parents there.
They had extensive customs surrounding death. There would be a great celebration at the home of the deceased, with mourning lasting up to forty days. If the deceased was a wealthy or influential man, a big tree would be uprooted and the deceased would be buried there. After the burial, another tree Mutoto, Mukhuyu or Mukumu would be planted. (This was a sacred tree and is found along most Luhya migration paths it could only be planted by a righteous lady mostly a virgin or a very old lady.)
Nowadays, mourning takes less time (about one week) and the celebrations are held at the time of burial. "Obukoko" and "Lisabo" are post-burial ceremonies held to complete mourning rites.
Religious Conversion
Most modern-day Luhyas are Christians; for some (if not all) the word for God is Nyasaye or Nyasae (Were Khakaba).
The word Nyasae when translated into English roughly corresponds with Nya (of) and Asae/ Asaye/ Sae/ Saye (Prayer). The Luhya traditionally worshiped an ancient 'god' of the same name (commonly known as
The first Luhyas who were converted to Christianity took words, names, their perceptions of what Christian missionaries told them about the Christian God, and other aspects of their indigenous religious traditions, and applied them to their interpretations of Christ and God.
The Friends Church (
The first Bible translation in a Luyia language was produced by Nicholas Stamp in the Wanga language. Osundwa says he did this translation in Mumias, the former capital of the Wanga kingdom of Mumia.
A religious sect known as Dini ya Msambwa was founded by Elijah Masinde in 1948. They worship "Were," the Bukusu god of
Various sources estimate that 75%-90% profess Christianity.[21]
Initiation
With the smugglers of the
Traditionally, circumcision was part of a period of training for adult responsibilities for the youth. Among those in Kakamega, the initiation was carried out every four or five years, depending on the clan. This resulted in various age sets notably, Kolongolo, Kananachi, Kikwameti, Kinyikeu, Nyange, Maina, and Sawa in that order.
The
The newly initiated youths would then build bachelor-huts for each other, where they would stay until they were old enough to become warriors. This kind of initiation is no longer practiced among the Kakamega Luhya, with the exception of the Tiriki.
Nowadays, the initiates are usually circumcised in hospital, and there is no seclusion period. On healing, a party is held for the initiate — who then usually goes back to school to continue with his studies.
Among the Bukusu, the Tachoni and (to a much lesser extent) the Nyala and the Kabras, the traditional methods of initiation persist. Circumcision is held every even year in August and December (the latter only among the Tachoni and the Kabras), and the initiates are typically 11 to 15 years old.
Seers
- Maina wa Nalukale,
- Mutonyi wa Nabukelembe (Died among the kabras in the Machina sub-clan)
- Wachiye Wa Naumbwa
- Elija Masindewa Nameme
Economic activities
Food and agriculture
The main food for the Luhya people like most Kenyans is ugali (made from maize flour/cornmeal) served with vegetables and meat of cattle, goat, fish or chicken; hence food production in the region is targeted to meet this need. The lower counties of Vihiga, Kakamega and Busia grow substance crops of maize on their low acreage plots, they raise chicken and keep cattle. The Upper parts of Bungoma and the Kitale grow large scale maize and produce milk from dairy cows. Fish farming is becoming very prevalent thus producing farm-raised tilapia for consumption. Busia, Mumias and lower Bungoma produce cassava and millet. There is normally a maize supply deficit in the production seasons of the year and a surplus supply during the harvest months resulting in much lower prices to producers during harvest and very high prices to consumers during production months. The producer and consumer may be the same person in different months. The largest sugar production facilities in Kenya are located in the western region where the Luhya people predominantly live. Mumias Sugar Company, Kabras Sugar Company and Nzoia Sugar Company have their contract production zones in the Luhya peoples region, hence sugarcane production is a key commercial enterprise. In Vihiga and some areas of Kakamega, tea bushes are very visible, making tea another key commercial crop grown in this region.
Chicken is a delicacy among the Luhya people, and it is a small leap from raising subsistence chickens to commercial chicken.
While everyone speaks their language, food and commercial farming are very unifying endeavors, the language or dialect people speak do not define what they grow or raise – economics and proximity to market determine that.
Economy
The Luhya people mainly live in the following districts;
In Kenya,
Kakamega- HQ Kakamega town, sugarcane is the main farming activity.
Bungoma- HQ Bungoma town, the main economy is dependent on grains and sugar.
Vihiga- HQ Mbale town Tea farming and grain farming is the main income for locals.
Busia- HQ Busia Town, Fishing and grain farming is the main local activity.
Trans Nzoia- HQ Kitale, Maize farming is the most economic activity.
Busia- HQ Busia town, just like Kenya Samia people are. Both farmers and Fishermen.
Mbale- HQ Mbale town, The Masaba or Gishu people are predominantly Coffee and tea farmers. As they occupy the slopes of My.Elgon. Mbale district of Uganda is considered the most populous rural district with 257 persons per KM square. Mbale town is in the process of being made the second city in Uganda second to Kampala city.[22]
Luhya peoples also live in Southern and Eastern Uganda, as well as northern Tanzania.
List of Notable Luhya people and People of Luhya Descent
-
Dr. Blasio Vincent Oriedo
Pioneering Epidemiologist -
Michael Wamalwa
8th Vice President of Kenya -
Wycliffe Oparanya Governor of Kakamega County
-
Judy Wakhungu, Kenyan Ambassador to France
-
environmental activist.
-
Moses Wetangula, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Bungoma Senator.
-
Clifton Miheso, Kenyan Footballer
-
Eugene Wamalwa, Cabinet Secretary of Devolution
-
Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya
Academics, Medicine and science
- Vice Chancellor of Daystar University
- Director Generalof the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA)
- Francis D. Imbuga Kenyan writer, playwright, literature scholar, teacher and professor at Kenyatta University,
- Filemona F. Indire, distinguished statesman, Kenyan ambassador to the Soviet Union, one of Africa's first African university professors, Kenyan Member of Parliament (1983-1988)
- Calestous Juma, distinguished Professor, Harvard University
- anesthesiologist
- radiation oncologist.
- Nanjala Nyabola Kenyan Writer.
- Ken Walibora, Kenyan writer
- Kenyan professor
- Dr. Blasio Vincent Oriedo, pioneering African epidemiologist and a parasitological medical scientist known for his contributions to tropical medicine and stemming a myriad of disease epidemics in the colonial era and embryonic postcolonial Kenya, in Sudan and countries in East and Central Africa.
- Miriam Were, Kenyan public health advocate, academic, and recipient of the first Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize.
- John Nikola Bwire Osogo (1927-1979), Kenyan educationist and historian.
- Dr bernard ouna kenyan researchist biochemistry lecturer and crispr enthuthiast.
Politics, activism, trade unionism, diplomacy and law
- Francis Atwoli, Cotu Secretary General and vice president world trade unions
- Moody Awori, 9th Vice President of Kenya (September 2003 – January 2008)
- Aggrey Awori (1939–2021) Ugandan economist, politician and Olympic hurdler
- Joseph Wamukoya (1942-2021), Kenyan Politician and Modern-day Wanga Elder
- Beatrice Elachi is a Kenyan politician
- Nancy Makokha Baraza (born 1957 ) first Deputy Chief Justice of Kenya
- Zacchaeus Chesoni, former Chief Justice
- Cyrus Jirongo, former politician
- Michael Wamalwa Kijana, 8th Vice President of Kenya (January–August 2003)
- Eric Edward Khasakhala (1926–2000) former MP of Emuhaya
- Ruth Habwe (died 1996), Kenyan feminist activist and politician. In 1964 she became notably, a first among women to challenge a male-only parliamentarian system. When she contested one of the three special parliamentary seats vacant at the time, she was suspended from party membership and ridiculed "to go back to the Kitchen and cook for Habwe's children".[23]
- Mukhisa Kituyi, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
- FORD-Kenya, Minister for Local Government
- Alfred Khang'ati Kenyan politician
- George Khaniri Kenyan politician
- Kenneth Marende, Former Speaker of the National Assembly
- Moses Wetangula Current Speaker of the National Assembly.
- Elijah Masinde, Bukusu leader
- Moses Mudavadi (1923-1989) politician from Sabatia.
- Musalia Mudavadi, Current Prime Cabinet Secretary.
- Masinde Muliro (1922–1992), freedom fighter, Member of Parliament (Kitale East & Cherangany)
- Nabongo Mumia Leader of the Wanga Kingdom.
- Foreign Minister of Kenya1983–87
- Ababu Namwamba, Kenyan politician
- Burudi Nabwera, diplomat.
- Kakamega countyAssembly (2013–present)
- environmental activist.
- Esau Khamati Oriedo (circa AD 1888–1993), a colonial era politician, freedom fighter; detained alongside Mzee Kenyatta, original trade union movement founding member of KAU, philanthropist, legal and religious advocate, a veteran of both world wars and soldier in King's African Rifles.
- Paul Otuoma (born 15 September 1966)Kenya Current Busia Governor.
- Martin Shikuku, former MP Butere Constituency
- Soita Shitanda (9 November 1959 – 24 May 2016), Kenyan politician
- Lawrence Sifuna (born January 23, 1946) Kenyan politician
Edwin Sifuna, Current Nairobi County Senator.
- David Eseli Simiyu, MP Kimilili Constituency
- Wafula Wabuge, Kenya's ambassador to Uganda, UN & US (1981–1986). Former Member of Parliament
- Judy Wakhungu Kenya's Ambassador to France
- Smokin Wanjala, Kenyan lawyer and associate justice of the Supreme Court of Kenya
- Amos Wako, Former Attorney General of Kenya, Senator Busia county (2013–2022)
- Sylvester Wakoli Bifwoli (born 1952) Kenyanpolitician
- Benjamin Jomo Washiali Kenyan politician
- Noah Wekesa Former Minister for Forestry and Wildlife.
- Alfred Sambu (1944) Kenyan politician
- George Wajackoyah (2022) Kenyan Controversial Presidential candidate in the 2022 Kenya Election
- Anthony Andanje (2020) Kenya former ambassador permanent representative to the United Nations Office
Business and Economics
- Jeremy Awori, MD & CEO, ABSA BANK KENYA PLC.
- Ayisi Makatiani, MD & CEO of Fanisi Capital Ltd.
- Mubarak Muyika, Founder & CEO of Zagace.
- Amos Wekesa, Founder & CEO of Great Lakes Safaris Limited.
- Collins Sakwa, Founder & CEO of Bushfinders Safaris.
Arts, music and media
- Bien-Aimé Baraza, Sauti Sol band member
- Daudi Kabaka (1939–2001), musician
- Elsa Majimbo, Kenyan Comedian
- Kenyanjournalist
- Yolanda MasindeMiss World finalist, 2000.
- Gloria Muliro, Kenyan Gospel Artist
- Azziad Nasenya, Kenyan Actress
- Hilary Ng'weno, Historian and veteran journalist
- Mary Kavere, Veteran actor in Kenya
- Nonini, Kenyan Musician
- Winfred Adah Omwakwe, Miss Earth 2002. The first from an African country.
- Daddy Owen, Musician
- Sharon Barang'a, Journalist & Lecturer
- Khadambi Asalache(28 February 1935 - 26 May 2006), Kenyan poet and author
- Willy Paul, Kenyan Musician
Religion
Mark Kadima, Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Bungoma from 2021 to present
- Festo Habakkuk Olang', the first African Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, from 1970 to 1980
- Maurice Michael Otunga, Catholic cardinal
- Eliud Wabukala, Kenyan Anglican Archbishop
- Joseph W. Sitati (born 16 May 1952) A general authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) since 2009
Sports
- Josephat Ababu, Kenyan cricketer
- Biko Adema, Kenyan rugby player.
- Willy Ambaka, Kenyan rugby player.
- Violet Barasa (1975–2007), volleyball player
- Joe Kadenge, footballer
- Collin Injera, Kenyan rugby player.
- Humphrey Kayange, Kenyan rugby player.
- McDonald Mariga, footballer, Politician Jubilee Party
- Joe Masiga, footballer (Abaluhya Football Club)
- Ayub Masika, Kenyan professional footballer
- Clifton Miheso (born 5 February 1993), Kenyan footballer.
- Ferdinand Omanyala Olympic 100m Sprinter, Track and Field.
- Robert Wangila Napunyi, boxer
- Victor Wanyama, footballer
- Anne Wafula Strike MBE (born 8 May 1969), British Paralympic wheelchair racer.
- Allan Wanga, Kenyan footballer
- Paul Wekesa, Kenyan Tennis player
- Philip Mayaka
- Paul Were
References
- ^ "2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census Volume IV: Distribution of Population by Socio-Economic Characteristics". Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
- ^ Bennett, George (1964). Kenya, a political history. London: Oxford University Press. pp. 154–155. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
- ^ a b THE INSTITUT PASTEUR (5 May 2017). "THE MIGRATION HISTORY OF BANTU-SPEAKING PEOPLE". Retrieved 9 August 2023.
- ^ "Luhya". Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
- ^ "Luhya". Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
- ^ "Luhya". Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
- ^ "The Luhya Tribe of Kenya: Their History and Culture". Kenya-information-guide.com. 2014-04-02. Retrieved 2014-04-20.
- ^ "Luhya". Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
- PMID 32095519.
- ^ Tim Wambunya (7 May 2007). "'ABA' LUYIA" (PDF). Retrieved 25 April 2014.
- ^ "Luhya Tribe | Kenya Tribes and People". softkenya.com. Retrieved 2014-04-18.
- ISBN 9966-46-808-0 [1], 1
- ^ "Luhya". Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
- ^ "Luhya". Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
- S2CID 162265813.
- ^ Luhya languages according to Ethnologue
- ^ "Luyia Nation | Facebook". facebook.com. Retrieved 2014-04-18.
- ^ Luyia Nation: Origins, sub-Clans and Taboos: Shadrack Amakoye Bulimo: 9781466978362: Books. Amazon.ca. ASIN 1466978368.
- ^ OCLC 690905506.
- ISBN 978-1-4620-1621-1.
- ^ Abeingo Community Network
- ^ ElgonAtlas_11Oct2015_lowres.pdf
- ^ J. R. A. Bailey, C. C. (1993). Kenya, the National Epic: From the Pages of Drum Magazine. Nairobi: East African Publishers.
External links
- Eshitabo Eshiokhulaama nende Tsisakalamendo nende Akebiima Bindi Bieikanisa. The Book of Common Prayer in Luhya (1967) digitized by Richard Mammana