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
Witchcraft? Tradition? Culture? Which of the three words best describes kamanyasi in the context of luhya myths on infidelity? A teacher of thought once clarified to me that witchcraft is set aside from the body of a community’s knowledge by the explicit intention of harm by those involved. So is kamanyasi just harmless mulembe culture? … Read more
Close proximity here means anything from: nursing him on his death bed, offering a bed bath or even cleaning his linen. This high threshold of ‘no touching ‘or ‘breathing his air’ applies especially to ‘complete’ marriages. A ‘complete’ marriage is one where dowry has been paid. Not just in form of cash or grains, but … Read more
Infidelity is the action or state of being unfaithful to a spouse or other sexual partner. In a study conducted by anti-cheating technology platform Trustify and published in February 2017, over 1/3 of marriages, reported infidelity of one or both partners. However, more recent infidelity statistics by the same firm are startling. In addition, contrary … Read more
Somewhere hidden among the vishigas of Vihiga, is a giant footprint of Jesus. Yes, the son of Joseph once rolled through these parts preaching mulembe, so goes the legend. If in doubt, there’s reason why Mary Sinaida Akata, Nabii Yohana (V), Yesu wa Tongaren and Jehovah Wanyonyi are all our people! It must have started … Read more
Emojis have become much more than tools of communication between friends and family. Today, the value of emojis even in marketing businesses online is well recognized. While emojis are a universal language, more and more groups of friends and even communities are coming up with clever ways of making them their own. As this impressive … Read more
Some time back, we named our babies. Though we are yet to explore the whole shebang of naming and how luhya names come about, but some justice was done with our piece on Bukusu naming traditions. Today we talk about a phase in a baby’s development that can be the most embarrassing for young, inexperienced … Read more
Mbo notila khuyo, aba olinge owambile lichabungwe esibuno nono solakanyala ta! Meet the Bukusu proverb on sacred cows. A newspaper editor once said: “To determine the true rulers of any society, all you must do is ask yourself this question: Who is it that I am not permitted to criticize?” Daily Nation “Sacred cows exist; … Read more
