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The Kikuyu
Kikuyu¡¯s origin
¡ÞThe Kikuyu tribe is the single largest ethnic group in Kenya, &
settled at the vicinty of Mount Kenya.
¡ÞThe exact place that the Kikuyu's ancestors migrated from West
Africa is uncertain.
¡Þ Some people suggest that they arrived in Mount Kenya area of
inhabitation from settlements further to the north & east, while
others say that the Kikuyu moved into Kenya from points further
north.
Kikuyu tribe in Kenya
Culture
¡Þ Kikuyus¡¯ speak Gikuyu language as their mother tongue. But
many also know Swahili & English.
¡ÞMusic & Dance are strong components of Kikuyu culture.
¡ÞTypical Kikuyu food includes mukimo (mashed green peas and
potatoes), irio (mashed dry beans, corn and potatoes), roast goat,
chicken & cooked green vegetables .
¡ÞAlthough Kikuyus historically adhered to indigenous faiths, most
have today converted to Christianity
Kikuyu tribe in Kenya
Spirituality and religion
¡ÞThe Kikuyu were ¨C & some still are ¨C monotheists believing in a
unique and omnipotent god whom they refer to as Ngai.
¡ÞThe title Mwathani or Mwathi (the greatest ruler) which comes
from the word gwatha meaning to rule or reign with authority is
also used.
¡ÞAll sacrifices to God were performed under sycamore tree & if a
sycamore tree is not available, a fig tree would be used.
¡ÞThe olive tree was a sacred tree for women.
Kikuyu tribe in Kenya

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Kikuyu tribe in Kenya

  • 2. Kikuyu¡¯s origin ¡ÞThe Kikuyu tribe is the single largest ethnic group in Kenya, & settled at the vicinty of Mount Kenya. ¡ÞThe exact place that the Kikuyu's ancestors migrated from West Africa is uncertain. ¡Þ Some people suggest that they arrived in Mount Kenya area of inhabitation from settlements further to the north & east, while others say that the Kikuyu moved into Kenya from points further north.
  • 4. Culture ¡Þ Kikuyus¡¯ speak Gikuyu language as their mother tongue. But many also know Swahili & English. ¡ÞMusic & Dance are strong components of Kikuyu culture. ¡ÞTypical Kikuyu food includes mukimo (mashed green peas and potatoes), irio (mashed dry beans, corn and potatoes), roast goat, chicken & cooked green vegetables . ¡ÞAlthough Kikuyus historically adhered to indigenous faiths, most have today converted to Christianity
  • 6. Spirituality and religion ¡ÞThe Kikuyu were ¨C & some still are ¨C monotheists believing in a unique and omnipotent god whom they refer to as Ngai. ¡ÞThe title Mwathani or Mwathi (the greatest ruler) which comes from the word gwatha meaning to rule or reign with authority is also used. ¡ÞAll sacrifices to God were performed under sycamore tree & if a sycamore tree is not available, a fig tree would be used. ¡ÞThe olive tree was a sacred tree for women.