Stories, videos and pictures that open the world of common Bukusu proverbs with meanings. Enjoy African proverbs from a sub-tribe of the Luhya of Kenya. For a complete list, visit our page on Bukusu proverbs. Further, learn more about the Bukusu here.
You can be born poor, but what excuse do you have for dying poor? Kumutambo kukhunyoa buyinda bukhakhunyoa. All about this Bukusu proverb that reminds us to get our hustle going no matter what. As they say, get rich or die trying. Vocabulary: First, a quick introduction to new Bukusu words For a beginner’s ease … Read more
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
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 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
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
Gather around it’s time for another story. The curious story of Manyonge and on taking chances that leads us to the meaning of the popular Bukusu proverb: Lelo nyo kanyolile kakanyola embichi musipwoni. Bill Grates organized an enormous session to recruit a new chairman for Microsoft Europe. 5000 candidates assembled in a large room. One … Read more
As I equivocally stated before, we the people of mulembe are a people of love. The spirit of mulembe is that of warmth. That of love. Of companionship. That of a man loving his woman. And of women finding joy in keeping their beds warm; making sure her man is tethered to her sheets. Therefore, … Read more
A recent tiring experience helping out a friend who’d become a new father got me wondering: Had we become ‘soft’? Sitting from where they sit seeing us haggling with mama mboga for the best prices on kienyeji vegetables, would our grandfathers be proud? How was it like for them in their days? Was there male … Read more
A certain Stanford commencement speech will forever be a bible chapter for rebels of certain type. Those who dare to ‘think different’ as preached by the 1997 to 2002 Apple, Inc advertising slogan. It was at the end of this emotional, inspiring speech that Steve Jobs urged the class of 2005 to ‘stay hungry, stay … Read more
Wisdom from our forefathers on good living, perfect health and wellness gleaned from our ultimate list of Bukusu proverbs on health. Disclaimer: First things first. Please note that I am in no way offering medical advice. Nor is this article intended to substitute medical expertise. Part of our task (that we do with love, commitment … Read more
