Omwami Mwene 
The rains are back, which means I finally got around to one of my favorite things: farming. Wele blessing us with water also means it’s time for my other favorite thing: taking in the glory of nature. Because, as the soil wets, new life is forth. Speaking of new life, last evening, I saw a … Read more
In part nine of this series on how to get away with eating rats- chimbeba, we opined that cheating wasn’t a cheap life style choice. In the same way, this installment of the twelve part series further cements this truth by way of describing in some detail, the ways of our forefathers. This captivating take … Read more
What happens when one is caught in the act? Bad things my brother. Horrible things. Luhya myths on infidelity utilize shame to keep the woman in check. For the man, the threat is death. An immediate, shameful death. As you may know, there’s little outside shame that the female psyche fears. For men, death is … Read more
In luhya culture, children are greatly valued. Consequently, the underlying theme in most stipulates of luyha traditions and folklore, is the engineering of a society with mulembe. Meaning, a society that protects and nourishes children. As these luhya myths on infidelity where children are involved demonstrate, child protection services didn’t start with the white man. … Read more
With finality, she dismissed the caller’s proposed antidote to the dire consequences of failing to abide by the stipulations of luhya myths on infidelity. “The fainting trick is bad.” She said. “My mulamwa was sick for two weeks, and the dead husband kept tormenting her at night. It’s no joke. Better to keep off completely … Read more
Meat in luhya culture, like in many African cultures, holds special cultural value. For example, luhya brothers are forbidden from sharing emondo . (The Maragoli and not Batsotso meaning of the word, thus chicken gizzard.) Sharing emondo would result in lifelong animosity between the two. This curse could easily trickle down generations resulting in brothers … Read more
Do luhya myths on infidelity apply to non luhyas? Well, there’s always that tingly when in a cross-cultural/tribal relationship. This is because everything with beau and your relationship feels exotic. Further, there’s that inflated sense of ‘winning’, especially when one thinks forward and imagines how cute the kids will be. The truth, however, is that … Read more
The luhya are among the few African cultures that don’t circumcise their women. What does that have to do with luhya myths on infidelity? Plenty we believe, but that’s of interest to anthropology. Anthropology is a compound subject matter that this series barely gleams the surface of. Conversely, this series on luhya myths on infidelity … Read more
“Lazima uoshwe na kamanyasi?” A perplexed Ayuma asked. Well versed on the predicament she faced, I affirmed that luhya myths on infidelity when divorced or separated demanded so. If one wished to bury their estranged spouse as ‘normal’ couples would, they had to partake of the ritualistic concoctions. “Ok, I’ll do it!” She answered, after … Read more
At a certain period in my teens, I fought with my parents over my refusal to attend church on Sundays. I lost the battle when my smart ass mum once quipped: “Who’s going to bury you when you die? Go to church so that they know you. Lest you get buried by the state in … Read more
