Kĩkũyũ

There is also a town in Kiambu district called Kikuyu The Kikuyu tribe; (Gĩkũyũ) ethnic group is Kenya's most populous ethnic group. 'Kikuyu' is the anglicised form of the proper name and pronunciation of Gĩkũyũ. They total 7.4 million, equal to about 22% of Kenya's total population ^*. They cultivate the fertile central highlands and are also the most economically active ethnic group in Kenya.

Origins

Although uncertain, ethnologists believe the Kikuyu came to Kenya from West Africa (present day Cameroon) together with the other Bantu tribes. On reaching what is now Tanzania, they moved east past Mt. Kilimanjaro and into Kenya finally settling around Mt. Kenya while the rest of the group continued migrating to Southern Africa (to become present-day Zulus, Shonas etc.) They were originally hunter-gatherers but unlike the Nilotic tribes who were pastoralists, they began farming the very fertile volcanic land around Mt. Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges.

History

The Gĩkũyũ were generally on good terms with the Maasai – their neighbours, with whom they traded extensively. Colonialism, however, disturbed this order. Beginning in the 1880s, the British settled first on the coast and then, Nairobi, when building the railroad from the coast to Lake Victoria. They confiscated land from the Gĩkũyũ who were confined to a small reserve unable to cultivate their land.

Anti-colonialism

Arguably suffering the most under imperial rule, the Gĩkũyũ was the most active ethnic group during the fight for Kenyan independence, with many of the Mau-Mau being drawn from their number. Already in the 1920s organised resistance against the colonial power was set up through the Kikuyu Central Association. After World War 2 the Gĩkũyũ were especially restless and the Mau Mau were formed, led by Dedan Kimathi. He is credited for leading the resistance which resulted in the defeat of the colonial government.

Post-independence

Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya's first president, was a Kĩkũyũ. Kenya's third president is also a Gîkűyǔ named Mwai Kǐbakǐ who won the 2002 elections in a landslide against Uhuru Kenyatta (son of first president) despite Kenyatta's support from outgoing president Daniel Arap Moi. Wangari Maathai, Africa's first female Nobel Peace Prize winner, is a Gĩkũyũ, as is the famous Kenyan author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, who now writes exclusively in Gĩkũyũ and Swahili. The Kikuyu have continued to play vital roles in independent Kenya's political and economic development. However, it is not uncommon to hear negative commentaries in the local media of the involvement of Kikuyus in government affairs.

Language

Kĩkũyũ speak Gĩkũyũ, a Bantu language, as their native tongue. Additionally, many speak Swahili and English as well, the official languages of Kenya.

Religion

The Gĩkũyũ religion is monotheistic. According to legend, Ngai (the creator worshipped also by the Maasai and Kamba), resides atop Kĩrĩnyaga, known as Mount Kenya. Although conflicting stories exist, 'Kirinyaga' means "mountain of brightness" in Gĩkũyũ.British colonialists misinterpreted the name to give the present name, Kenya. In tradition, Ngai created the land and gave it to the people creating an irrevocable bond between man and land. Other important aspects of tradition include the value of ancestry and the forest. In present day, 73% are claimed to be Christian [http://www.joshuaproject.net/countries.php?rog3=KE, but traditional beliefs are often retained.

Social structure

Many Gĩkũyũ have moved from Kikuyuland to other parts of the world through intermarriages, business opportunities, fields of study, seeking better prospects in life, etc. Those living in rural areas tend to continue to practice farming. Many Gĩkũyũ have, however, moved to the cities to find jobs.

External links

Ethnic groups in Kenya

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