Sade Khalai

What is gorogoro? The indefatigable tool making life possible since time immemorial – find its meaning in Luhya, possible origins and an unveil of the hidden and contemporary uses of the word

by
poster with image of old rusty tins titled gorogoro is life itself- the story of a humble tin and how central it is to life in mulembe

In most Western Kenya food markets, dry cereals such as beans and maize are sold in gorogoros. When you buy a gorogoro of anything, it is taken that you have acquired two kilograms of the said commodity. But the importance of ekorokoro goes beyond trade. Gorogoro is life itself! What is gorogoro? Whenever I find … Read more

Meet makhalanje aka tsimbale aka kamalwa kamakhalange: The humble traditional Luhya fermented food that’s been paid as a queen’s bride price, is key when making men out of boys, is enjoyed by the high and mighty and more interesting stories

by
poster with image of beer froth titled kamalwa khamakhalange

Among the Luhya the traditional beer, kamalwa, is made from spontaneously fermented maize flour. The fermented flour is sun dried then fried in a pan until it assumes a coarse powder form. When in this state, it is known as kamalwa kamakhalange or simply kamakhalange. Also: Makhalanje, tsimbale, mkarango. My people simply cannot resist kamalwa … Read more

Learn Bukusu online: How to say ‘leave that’ in Bukusu + pronunciation and sentences to practice on

by
poster lekha and leave that in Bukusu

Welcome. Come learn Lubukusu with us! Today we learn how to say ‘leave that’ in Bukusu language. In addition, find the pronunciation and examples of sentences to practice on. Also, don’t forget to check out our resources, all for free, that are designed to help you on your journey of learning to speak Lubukusu. To … Read more

Growing up Luhya: 40+ hilarious reasons why your sorry backside would suffer good strokes from the lukhendu of your loving Luhya mother

by

I know many of you of a certain age, would be nothing without the tough love of a few strokes from the lukhendu of your loving Luhya mother. This is the story of your childhood, these are our stories….this, is growing up Luhya. Today, whiling time away as I chose to STAY AT HOME during … Read more

Learn Lubukusu online: The Mulembe Nation list of 33+ common kinship terms, words for relatives and family members in Bukusu language

by
poster with man sleeping on couch with words words for relatives and family members in Bukusu

In this article, we’re going to look at the kinship terms and family words needed to refer to relatives and family members in Bukusu language. Post highlights Immediate relatives and family members. Extended relatives in Bukusu. In-law relatives and family members in Bukusu. Immediate relatives and family members in Bukusu In this section, we’ll cover … Read more

Speak with authority on Bukusu traditional circumcision ceremony like a true son or daughter of the soil: Who is omusinde? What is sisingilo? And other important vocabulary

by
poster with dark yellow background and words the traditional Bukusu circumcision ceremony - everything you'll ever need to know

Were you circumcised in the traditional way? This is a common, albeit rude, question that Gents face whenever they identify themselves as Bukusu. So popular is the Bukusu traditional circumcision ceremony that it is sure to dominate conversations. If for one reason or another your knowledge on your peoples ways isn’t up to scratch, that’s … Read more

Engokho netima nekamala ke yasie euka eli yosi seli nako ta! This Bukusu proverb on self centeredness is a timely warning in the fight against COVID-19

by
poster with image of chicken on the Bukusu proverb on self centeredness Engokho netima nekamala ke yasie euka eli yosi seli nako ta

In these unprecedented times that call on all to join forces and to use everything in our toolkit to stem the spread of the new coronavirus and COVID-19, the disease it causes. In this spirit, I am reminded of a Bukusu proverb on self centeredness that I first encountered in childhood. It goes: Engokho netima … Read more

Meaning of Bukusu saying Nololelela nisyo engokho elia sokilia ta! What can separate a Luhya and chicken?

by
poster with image of chick being fed by mother hen titledNololelela nisyo engokho elia sokila ta

Nololelela nisyo engokho elia sokilia ta! If you look at what chicken eat, you’ll never eat chicken. My people, the Bukusu, consider chicken (engoho in Kimaragoli, éengokho Lubukusu) a honorable delicacy. The cultural importance of chicken among the Luhya cannot be understated. Therefore, when I say that chicken is ‘honored’ pay attention. And to those … Read more

Recollections on sisakati, the traditional washroom: A hilarious story of the simple joys of a childhood growing up with the barest essentials and the power of coming together

by
poster titled sisakati

If you grew up or have stayed in the village but you never cleaned up in a “washroom” constructed by banana leaves (sisakati) whose floor composed of a patchwork of cobblestones, humbly accept that you grew up privileged. There, I said it. If my unsolicited opinion brings up anxieties over your self-diagnosis of a serious … Read more

Names of Crawling Creatures, Tinny Beings, Bugs and Insects in Bukusu

by
poster titled bugs + insects in Bukusu

Stories, names of crawling creatures, tinny beings, bugs and insects in Bukusu language. To state the obvious, the Bukusu Luhya of western Kenya had to do with insects, crawling creatures and tinny bugs in and around the homestead. Some of these beings were useful as food while others were harmful. All the same, our Bukusu … Read more