"Mnazi" and A Bull and the Groom Took the Bride Home

Mijikenda means "Nine Tribes" namely Giriama, Chonyi, Jibana, Kambe, Ribe, Kauma, Rabai, Duruma and Digo. This bantu speaking clan traces its origin back to Shungwaya in Southern Somalia.

They, however, migrated southwards during the 17th Century following a series of unrest occasioned by the Oromo tribe and other groups living in the Southern Somalia area.

Today, the Mijikenda populate regions in the north and south coasts of Kenya stretching from the Tanzania border in the south to the Sabaki and Umbu Rivers in the north.

To maintain security and ensure the survival of the clan, the Mijikenda ventured deep into the coastal forests. There, the men built fortified villages referred to as "makaya" or "kaya" for a single village. These villages are accessible by narrow forest paths.

The men were responsible for taking care of the family and would be the protectors. They also went out to look for food. Outside each kaya, they cleared the forest where the women would cultivate food for their families. The women's roles consisted in cultivating the land and growing food, taking care of the children, keeping the homestead clean, weaving baskets, making pots and cooking for the family. Traditional delights of the Mijikenda include rice cooked in coconut milk, cassava, fried fresh fish, fresh mango fruits and vegetables.

The Giriama tribe is the largest one among the Mijikenda. This tribe grew into other sub-tribes namely the Thoya, Mweni, Nyundo and Ngale. They speak in "Ki-giriama."

Marriage among the Giriama was traditionally arranged by the parents of the bride and the groom. The parents were also the ones who decided on the brideprice. It was common practice for the groom to present 28 rounds of "mnazi," the traditional palm wine. On the wedding day he would present the brides parents with a bull. This was also the day the groom would take his bride home.

The community would witness this ceremony and would accompany the couple back to the grooms home singing sweet songs and dancing. Once home, the new bride and groom would be welcomed with gifts from the in-laws, extended family members and friends.