Omwami Mwene 
This stunning Papa Shirandula mural by bankslaveone is the most fitting of eulogies. Bankslaveone is an acclaimed Kenyan street artist famous for his commemorative depiction of modern heroes, alongside pieces on social activism on his canvas – the walls in the streets of Nairobi and beyond, in need of being brought to life. In this … Read more
Learn how to speak Maragoli with us! Today, we’ve curated a list of 14 common Maragoli phrases to spice up your speech, and sound like a ‘proper’ Mulogooli. Remember to pair this lesson with our free lessons on learning to speak Luhya. Not only will revisiting these resources on learning Luhya help reduce attrition of … Read more
We are saddened by the passing on of Kenyan veteran actor and comedian Charles Bukeko, popularly known as Papa Shirandula following a short illness. We pray that the Almighty Wele Khakaba gives comfort and strength to his family and friends. Omwami Charles Bukeko popularly known as Papa Shirandula is dead. His family confirmed to Kenyan media … Read more
We are saddened by the passing on of Prof. Maurice Mang’oli, 67, on 14th July 2020 and pray that the Almighty Wele Khakaba gives comfort and strength to the family and friends. The late Prof. Maurice Kizito Wafula Mang’oli was born on 5th September 1953 to the late Mzee Sylvester Makhakara Mang’oli and the late … Read more
Poverty will make you dance at your in-laws. The meaning of the Bukusu proverb ‘kumutambo kukila wakhina ebukhwe’ through the unfortunate story of Maelo. A story is told of one Maelo who visited his daughter. His daughter was married in a well off family. Food was served. Maelo with his friends dined. Alcohol was also … Read more
Learn Isukha language with us – the home of everything Mulembe. Lwisukha or Luisukha or Isukha language is the tongue of the Isukha, the house of Mulembe Nation known as the bull fighters
1976 to 1979 were good years for the Kenyan smuggler. US President Jimmy Carter banned US importation of Ugandan coffee. This followed the abduction of Archbishop Janaan Luwuum by the Idi Amin regime when the man of God, and fierce critic, was delivering his Sunday sermon. He was never to be seen alive again. As … Read more
How to ask a riddle in Bukusu. Details of an oral art form that’s akin to a mental dance between the person who asks the brainteaser (the caller) and their audience (the respondent). How to ask a riddle in Bukusu – steps and cues Practice with this example Caller: Namunayii_ (Riddle_) Respondent: Kwichee! (Riddle come!) … Read more
Kurugiza is a Maragaoli tradition that straddles the community’s building traditions and marriage traditions. It is an important part of our culture that serves to make a union complete. Literally, kurugiza means ‘to be made or be aided to cook’. Recently, before COVID-19 disrupted our cultures and way of life, I attended the burial of … Read more
The plain truth about Luhya men of a certain stock and their fruit of their loins. From dealing with ‘out growers’ to tips on how to please this archetype of Luhya man, so that his engine is oiled and loins roar. The other day an omwami known to me, a true omundu strong, posted a … Read more
