Let’s get better together. Be wiser by learning from simple, insightful moral sayings and counsel passed on from our forefathers. Join us as we explore the meaning of the Luhya proverb “Omuyika mulala shikumala abalayi – All good people cannot die in one year”. Not only will you get to know similar Luhya proverbs, but you’ll also get inspired and transformed by honest morals and conscientious values drawn from Luhya culture. Learn the power of resilience in this uplifting tale. Embrace the power of patience and why you should never give up on good.
First, Learn How To Say “Omuyika Mulala Shikumala Abalayi” Like a Luhya
Watch The Story
About the video and the story: Discover the wisdom of the ancestors with this uplifting story based on the African proverb “All Good People Cannot Die in One Year”. Join us on a journey to a traditional African village and learn the meaning and moral behind this timeless saying. With engaging dialogue and vivid imagery, you’ll be transported to another world as our storyteller shares this inspiring tale. The message of the proverb is more relevant than ever in today’s world, reminding us to be patient and persevere in the face of adversity. Whether you’re a child or an adult, this video will inspire you to embrace the power of patience and to never give up on your dreams. So sit back, relax, and let this story uplift your spirit

Meaning of All Good People Cannot Die in One Year
“All good people cannot die in one year” is a saying from the Luhya people of Kenya that speaks to the idea of resilience and the ability of good to outlast difficult times. The proverb suggests that even though bad things may happen, there will always be good people who will continue to make a positive impact on the world. The moral of the proverb is that it is important to have hope and to remember that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of good things to come.
The moral of “All Good People Cannot Die in One Year”
It encourages people to be optimistic, to focus on the positive aspects of life and to understand the continuity of life. Further and because the good deeds of good people outlives them, the impact of the good they did remains felt for a long time after they are gone; and therefore it never is really all lost as their goodness might inspire another to follow in their footsteps.
It also could mean that good people come in all shapes and forms, and where the next hero comes from could be from the least likely of places. This proverb can also be interpreted as a reminder that life is not always fair, and that good people may face difficult challenges, but with resilience and determination, they can overcome them.
Proverbs Similar to Omuyika Mulala Shikumala Abalayi from Across Africa
Kindly note that some of the proverbs listed below maybe simply versions of “Omuyika mulala shikumala abalayi” in other Luhya dialects. However, we do encourage you to explore the meaning of the listed proverbs. This is because slight differences in translation, meaning and sometimes in culture among the Luhya sub-tribes do exist; and these differences offer interesting insights to Luhya culture and language.
- “Afwile ebikele ne emurwe babana baliyo” – His head dies but at his feet children thrive (Bukusu Luhya Proverb, Kenya).
- “Akulahlwa imbeleko ngokufelwa.” – The child’s sack is not thrown after the death of one child. Because there might be another child coming and the sack will be needed to carry the new child. Therefore, be resilient and do not lose hope when facing adversities (Zulu Proverb, South Africa).
Still craving more wisdom? Get educated and inspired by our growing collection of Luhya proverbs and sayings
Drawn from all over mulembe, these proverbs express deeply held beliefs shared by the different Luhya subtribes. Get to know more about this honest African culture famed for its love of peace, by combing through our library highlighted using the links below
- Which are the most popular Luhya proverbs? Want to know which Luhya sayings are trending, and are telling of the zeitgeist of the times? This and more in our dedicated page: Luhya proverbs and sayings
- Interested in Bukusu proverbs and sayings? Check out our page on Bukusu proverbs and sayings.
- Maragoli culture is rich and full of wisdom for modern living. Get to enrich your Lulogoli as you pick wisdom for everyday living from our growing collection in the page: Maragoli proverbs and sayings.
- Maybe you are interested in Abanyala proverbs and sayings to get your message across and spice things up when speaking Luhya? Find our growing collection in the page: Abanyala proverbs and sayings.
- Then there are those Luhya proverbs and sayings that have come about as a result of our experience of modern living inspired by the spirit of mulembe. These figures of speech have become so popular that they have become part of the modern Kenyan, East African and hopefully soon, everyday speech of the 21st century African. See of growing collection of: Contemporary Luhya proverbs and sayings.