MEET THE MIJIKENDA

 MEET THE MIJIKENDAS.

OCTOMBER 2ND,2022

Mijikenda is a group of nine Bantu enthnic groups inhabiting the coast of Kenya, between the sabaki the umba river , in an area stretching from the border with Tanzania in south to the border near Somalia in the North. In history the mijikenda were called the ‘Nyika’ or ‘Nika’ which meant “bush people”

The Mijikenda which means ‘Nine’ comprise the Giriama, Chonyi, Jibana, Kambe, Ribe, Kauma , Rabai, Duruma and Digo. The largest group of Mijikenda are Giriama who numbered about 350,000 in 1987, and the Duruma , with a population of approximately 190,000 in 1986. The are found in Tanzania due to the their proximity to the common border , that making them to be the southern mijikenda while the others are Northern Mijikenda. The group share a common linguistic and cultural heritage. The mijikenda speak a separate dialect of the same language.

They are one of ethnic communities in Kenya apart from masai who have maintained tranditional beliefs and culture. The group has resisted the conversion attempt of muslim and Christian missionaries , and they adhere to many traditional religion which was practiced by their fore fathers. They were able to write a record entrailing mthys of their origin , description of kayas and information of their social structure , this record is passed from generation to the other. 

According to mijikenda mythy they originated in south in Singwaya(or Shugwaya) which was the north of the somali coast , and driven through Aromo until reached their present location along the ridge where they built their kayas which were lead by the oldest age-set. 

Mijikenda are known for creating wooden kigango funerary statues which have been displayed in museums around the world and sold in international market. The main occupation is farming , with more and more land being devoted to cash crops in modern times. Coconut palms are their most importsant crop.

Though in modern world the group have changed their dress code and drees in modern dress code, though they have their special outfits for the cultural ceremonies. The group have also followed the muslim and Christian religions and also do business and farming. They also follow their common practice of age –sets with various initiation ritual performed every few years to move each group to the next social level accorded to their set. The first intiation ritual is circumcision