The history of Kenya’s other Nilotic tribes is entwined with that of the Samburu people of kenya. It is known that the Samburus came from Sudan and settled in the Kenyan Rift Valley, north of Mount Kenya and south of Lake Turkana. The Samburu traveled northward while their Maasai cousins moved southward after they arrived in Kenya in the fifteenth century. British colonial power had little effect on the Samburu since the British did not find their territory especially appealing.
The Samburu People of Kenya
Samburu People of Kenya is located in the Samburu County in Northern Kenya which is north of the Equator. The Samburu people live within their close relations and are closely associated with the Masai Tribe of Kenya. The Two tribes speak a similar dialect called the Maa.
The Samburu People are nomads just like the Masai. They are very traditional and have not abandoned most of their traditions till now. Mostly keep cattle, goats and sheep and these play a very important part in the customs and traditions of this land. Highly depend on the stock of animals they look after.
They drink a lot of milk. They also drink blood. The Samburu just like the Masai make a small cutting on the cow and they draw blood out of it into a jar or cup. They then seal the wound with hot ash. They only slaughter he cows for meat on special occasions.
Girls from Samburu are also circumcised. It’s a significant ceremony that marks the transition from male to female. A girl or woman who has had her circumcision may be given away in an arranged marriage. In order to begin her own family.
Unfortunately, this practice has led to girls marrying men who are old enough to be their grandfathers at the age of 12. However, recent years have seen a notable decline in the frequency of Samburu and Pokot female circumcision and forced early marriage instances thanks to coordinated efforts by the Kenyan government and non-governmental groups. Many girls have been able to pursue school because of this.
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