Kenya is a country located in East Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Uganda. Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake, sits on the country's western edge. Kenya has an estimated population of over 55.5 million people, a majority of whom are concentrated near Lake Victoria or the capital city, Nairobi.
Depending on how they're categorized, ethnic groups in Kenya range between 32 and 70. These groups generally fall into three ethnolinguistic families: Bantu, Nilotic, and Cushitic. The five dominant ethnic groups among these families are the Kikuyu, Luhya, Kalenjin, Luo, and Kamba. In addition, Kenya's relative stability has led to an influx of refugees and migrants. There are an estimated 520,000 refugees in the country, many from neighboring Somalia and South Sudan
The Kabras dialect called Lukabaras is similar to Tachoni. However, the Kabras have spread to other regions as a result of intermarriages and movement to seek greener pasture in formal employment. These people are described as adaptable, easily absorbing other culture's values and beliefs. This can be demonstrated in the way many Kabras practice the Christian and Muslim faiths. One notable cultural practice involves circumcision and pride-price required for marriage.
Kabrasi clans were named after the heads of the families. They include Avasira, Avatali, Abawande, Abamutama, Basonje, Abakhusia, Bamachina, Abashu, Abamutsembi, Baluu, Batobo, Bachetsi, and Bamakangala. Along with 17 other Luhya subtribes, the Kabras constitute 14 percent of the Kenyan population, making the ethnic group the second largest in the country, next to the Kikuyu.
Before the colonial era, the Kabaras were under the rulership of Nabongo Mumia, the king of the Wanga. They were represented by an elder in his Council of Elders. The last known elder in the kings council was Soita Libukana Samaramarami. The kabaras are said to have originally been Banyala.
They are located in Malava, in the Kabras Division of Kakamega District in Kenya. They are located between the Kakamega and Webuye townships.
Their lives depend on farming crops and keeping livestock. They are quick to integrate others' values and beliefs. Their language is Lukabaras.
For instance, the Kabras believe that elders should be buried in a sitting position because it represents respect. The practice of sticking a thorn in bachelors' behinds before burying them is widespread among numerous Luhya sub-tribes, including the Bukusu, Isukha, Idakho, Tachoni, and others.
How are bachelors buried in Luhya community?
Wasumba, or bachelors, are individuals who the community believes should have married and sired but passed away before achieving these deemed "accomplishments." Additionally, wasumba must have additional thorns driven into their legs, have their bodies transported through windows rather than doors like other family members, and have their remains buried outside the property.
Read more: https://www.tuko.co.ke/406653-thorns-through-window-special-way-luhyas-bury-bachelors.html