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 “endi owabakhotsa abanji yakona inzala”. 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 on the importance of building quality relationships.
How to Say It Like a Luhya
Meaning of ‘Endi owabakhotsa abanji yakona inzala’
The one with many uncles slept hungry is a Luhya proverb reminding us that being in plenty or in proximity to resource does not necessarily mean that one enjoys certain privilege. In thinking about this proverb, I am reminded of the paradox we often experience here in Africa. It often a matter of public amusement when close relations/neighbors/kinsmen or tribe mates of those privileged are disadvantaged financially or otherwise. You often overhear people in the villages wondering how that can be yet they are the ‘flies closest to the soup’.
The Moral of The Luhya Proverb ‘The one with many uncles slept hungry’
The moral of this proverb is that it’s not always the quantity of people in our lives that matter, but the quality of the relationships we have with them. It highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who are genuinely interested in our well-being and are willing to help and support us when we need it. It also can imply that sometimes, people who claim to be close to you may not act in your best interest, or that those who are supposed to have your back, may not always be there.
Additionally, the proverb also serves as a reminder to be self-reliant, to take responsibility for our own lives, and to not rely too heavily on others. Even when we have many people in our lives, we should not become complacent and rely on them to take care of us. Instead, we should be proactive in taking control of our own lives and working towards our goals
Proverbs Similar To ‘Endi Owabakhotsa Abanji Yakona Inzala’ from across Africa
Kindly note that some of the proverbs listed below maybe simply versions of ‘endi owabakhotsa abanji yakona inzala’ in other Luhya dialects. However, we do encourage you to explore the meaning of the listed proverbs by following the links. This is because differences in translation, meaning and sometimes in culture do exist among the Luhya sub-tribes; and these offer interesting deep insights to Luhya culture and language.
- Khotsanyene abaanji yakona inzala, in English, ‘An uncle of many ended up sleeping hungry’. Luhya, Kenya)
- Chukumazi kigona vuruhu, in English, ‘The person living closest to the river sleeps thirsty’. (Maragoli, Luhya, Kenya)
Seeking 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.
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