Luhya (Luhia) (Abaluhya) is a group of Bantu languages spoken in the western part of Kenya by about 5 million people residing between Lake Victoria, Uganda and Mount Elgon. The area is the most densely populated in Kenya. Luhya refers both to the people and the language. The group is made up of about 18 subtribes in Kenya with the most dominating groups being: Maragoli, Bukusu, Nyore, Hanga (Wanga), Idakho,Kisa, Isukha, Tiriki, Kabras,Gisu, and Saamia. 1 Subtribe is in northern Tanzania and 4 in Uganda. The languages spoken are similar in structure but are different to one another to the extent that none of them has been designated as the central dialect. Some of the Sub-tribes have similarities to the Baganda tribe of Uganda with some having words from the neighbouring tribes like the Luo and Kalenjin. There are Bible translations in the Maragoli, Wanga and Bukusu dialects.
The first European the Luhya had contact with was probably Henry Morton Stanley as he voyaged around Lake Victoria. In 1883 Joseph Thomson was the first European known to pass through Luhya territory on foot, and was influential in opening the region to Europeans after his meeting with King Mumia of the Wanga Kingdom. The Wanga kingdom was very similar to the Baganda kingdom and other monarchies in Uganda, an unusual form of government for Bantu peoples. Mumia was the last king of Mumia and was recougnised by the British as a chief.The Bukusu strongly resisted British incursions into their territory in the 1890s. In 1895, they fought the British from a stronghold near Bungoma on the lower slopes of Mount Elgon called `Chetambe's Fort'. But the British had a machine gun and massacred over a hundred Bukusu warriors in the stronghold armed only with spears and hide shields. In the 1940s and 1950s the Bukusu resisted the British under the leadership of Elijah Masinde, a religious leader and prophet who demanded return of their lands. During the Mau Mau rebellion (centered in the Kikuyu areas of Mount Kenya through most of the 1950s), Masinde was imprisoned, but was released to his home area at independence in 1963.
The Luhya, with the exception of the Saamia, practiced both circumcision and clitoridectomy. This was commensurate with training for adult responsibilities for the youth. They had extensive customs surrounding death. There would be a great celebration at the home of the deceased whereby people stayed for a period of up to forty days. Nowadays, the mourners stay for shorter periods of time (about one week) and the celebrations are held at the time of burial, then a single closing ceremony again to end the forty days. The Luhya believed in animisms and spirits and considered funerals with high regard as a custom to please the ancestral spirits. Sacrifices were made to please the spirits. There was great fear of the "Balosi" (witch doctors) and "Babini" (wizards). These are often referred to as the "night-runners" who prowl in the nude running from one house to another casting spells. Today, most of the Luhya practice Christianity and they refer to God as “Nyasaye”, a word borrowed from the neighbouring Luo tribe. The Bukusu believe in “Were” the God of Mount Elgon whom they worship. They are also known to be practicing traditional witchcraft and are extremely tied to tribal traditions and superstitions.
Some well known Luhya politicians after independence are: Masinde Muliro , Michael Kijana Wamalwa , Eric Edward Khasakhala , Elijah Masinde,Joshua Angatia , Moses Mudavadi , Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi , Moody Awori , Martin Shikuku , Fedelis Omulo Gumo, Burudi Nabwera and Maxwell Shamalla
AFC Leopards is one of the most reknowned football clubs in East and Central Africa. It was formed in 1964 under the name of Abaluhya Football club, to represent members of Kenya’s Luhya community and to rival Luo Union Football club. Today however, the club has a fan base spanning the entire nation. It is arguably the most supported team in the country. The club has produced several glittering stars, many of whom went on too gain national, regional and continental fame. Some of the Luhya sportsmen it produced include Wilberforce Mulamba, Joe Masiga ( also a rugby player), Livingstone Madegwa, Joe Kadenge and John Shoto Lukoye. Staunch AFC Leopards fans are known to be among the most passionate. Matters pertaining to the club evoke high emotions among them especially against their arc rivals Gor Mahia from the Luo tribe.
