The Kikuyu are the largest ethnic group in Kenya, originally settling around Mount Kenya. While their exact origins in West Africa are uncertain, some migrated into the Mount Kenya area from northern settlements, while others came from further north. Kikuyu culture includes speaking the Gikuyu language, engaging in music and dance, and enjoying traditional foods like mukimo and irio. Historically, the Kikuyu followed indigenous faiths and believed in the god Ngai, performing sacrifices under sycamore trees. However, most Kikuyu have since converted to Christianity.
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.