Khukololosia embulu is a Bukusu saying that simply means straightening the alligator. There was once a time when I overheard my mum talk to her sister about one of us. Intially, I was not sure who it was, but it was about my aunt missing out on opportunity khukololosia embulu. Now what had this certain … Read more
This is a story of kids being kids. Of kids finding their way in the world by appreciating, to put it loosely, the differences among themselves. Thus, they refuse to stop at the limits set by names that none of them in the first place chose. Meet the Kevo, Brayo of Bukusuland in all their … Read more
Changa style ndolekho is not a challenge to pronounce lightly. You better be prepared, you have to know how to strut your stuff on the dance floor. Most importantly, you must be prepared to leave it all there. Whenever, in the ceremony known as khuchukhila, a omusinde form Bayemba clan pours water that he’s fetched … Read more
Four things. One: omusinde. Two: a proud father. Three: kamalwa khuyusia, ancestors’ timely but unwelcome lessons, the elusive nature of trust and kamalwa kakatikhe. This is the story of a boy whose big day, well, let’s just say it burst. The Bukusu people have a number of sayings about beer. Regulars here have already benefited … Read more
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
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
It’s happened to most of us, feeling out of your depth. If it’s yet to happen, trust me when I say it’s a fact of life. What some have labeled as the impostor syndrome or impostor phenomenon or fraud syndrome is part of growth in life. Lucky, as we’ve come to learn, we can always … Read more
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
Your paternal aunt, senge in Lulogooli, or senje most other ways, is irreplaceable among the people of Mulembe. Six uncomfortable truths on the importance of senje in Luhya culture. There are fewer hallowed relations to be in life such as a senje in Luhya culture. When life is being good to you — weddings and … Read more
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
