The Kamba People

 Everything you need to know about the Akamba people.

Image via Unsplash

The Kamba people, a prominent Bantu ethnic group, have been an integral part of southeastern Kenya for centuries. 

Renowned for their artistic prowess in crafting wood carvings and ornaments, they constitute one of the country's largest and culturally diverse communities.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Akamba.

Family Structure

At the heart of the Akamba community is the family (Musyi). Men, assuming leadership roles, actively engage in economic activities, while women focus on cultivating land for sustenance. 

Mothers play a pivotal role in nurturing children and managing household affairs, contributing to the intricate web of family life.

Clans and Totems

The ‘utui,’ the Akamba name for a clan, varied in size and was grouped into 25 dispersed patrilineal units. They had 114 major clans and 11 minor clans. And this makes a total of 25.

Here are some of the major clans with their totems:

1. Aombe (Mwĩombe)

They are divided into two :

a) Mbaa Mai; b) Mbaa Mululu

Symbol/Totem: The long-tailed monkey

2. Aiîni (Mūiniînî)

Symbol/Totem: Bows and Arrows: Syano na Thyaka. 

Anzaũnĩ (Mũnzaũnĩ)

Symbol/Totem: The Jackal - Mbĩwa.

3. Anziũnĩ ( Mũnziũ)

Symbol/Totem: Kĩndĩle – a birdLarge clan. The name is from the adjective "nzîu (black)

4. Akĩthumba ( Mukĩ thumba)

Symbol/Totem: Nthwaia– the bushbuck. The founder was Kithumba.

5. Ethanga (Mwĩthanga)

Symbol/Totem: Sand containing iron - Mũthanga

The founder was an iron smith using a certain type of sand –kĩthangathi from a riverbed.

6. Atangwa ( Mũtangwa )

They are divided into four:

a) Mbaa Mũlela; b) Mbaa Kateti; c) Mbaa Mũtheka; Mbaa Mũkuva

Symbol/Totem: The Baboon –Ngũlĩ. Mbaa Mũlela has the hawk Mbolosya as their symbol.

7. Akĩtutu (Mũkĩtutu)

Symbol/Totem:The Hawk - Mbolosya 

8. Akĩtondo (Mũkĩtondo)

They are divided into:

a) Mbaa Mbuli and b) Mbaa Nyumba

Symbol/Totem: The Crow - Ngũngũũ

9. Amũumo( Mũmũumo)

Symbol/Totem: The fig tree - Kĩumo

10. Amũũnda ( Mũmũũnda)

They are divided into:

a) Mbaa Mũyethya; b) Mbaa Nzalũ

11. Aewani (Mũewanĩ)

Symbol/Totem: The Leopard - Ngo

12. Amũtei (Mũmũtei)

Symbol/Totem: The Secretary Bird - Ndei

13. Asii (Mũsii)

Symbol/Totem: The Lion - Mũnyambũ

Akamba Governance System

The Akamba had a decentralized system of government where the man in the family handled everything concerning the family. Issues that affected the whole community, older men who made the council of elders would meet (Mbai) and find a solution. 

A decentralized governance system places family matters in the hands of men, while community-wide issues are addressed by the council of elders (Mbai). This structure reflects the community's commitment to collective decision-making.

Subgroups and Dialects

Distinct subgroups - Masaku, Kitui, and Mumoni - contribute to the rich cultural mosaic. The Kamba language (Kikamba), originating from the Bantu branch, is marked by the absence of certain letters in its alphabet, maintaining linguistic uniqueness.

Age Sets

Unlike other African communities, circumcision among the Akamba did not categorize age sets. Age sets were based on age grades. That is; 

• Junior elders (Anake )

• Intermediate elders/medium (Nthele)

• Full elders (Atumia makivalo) 

• Senior elders (maithembo)

Naming System

Women named children on an even day -2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 days after birth. Like the Kikuyu, the Akamba people named their children in patrilineal and matrilineal patterns. 

The firstborn son was named after the grandfather to the father, and the firstborn girl was named after the grandmother to the father. 

They also gave their children names according to what they wished them to be in life, e.g., “Mutongoi” (leader), “Muthui” (rich one), “Ngumbau” (the brave one), and “Musili” (judge).

Occasionally, children were given names that were descriptive of the circumstances under which they were born. .i.e.

• Musyimi -‘syima’ (hunting)

• Kioko (boy) - born in the morning

• Mumbua/Syombua (girl)and Wambua (boy) - time of rain,

• Wayua  (girl) - famine

• Nduku (girl) and Mutuku (boy) - born at night

Kinship Names

A strict law prohibits addressing people by their first names, maintaining respect for fathers-in-law or mothers-in-law. This cultural norm underscores the significance of familial relationships.

Marriage and Courtship

For the Akamba, marriage isn't merely a union of individuals; it's a cornerstone event in a man's life, symbolizing the continuity of familial bonds. In the traditional Kamba society, marriage is a carefully woven tapestry of arranged alliances, choice, and symbolic gestures.

The majority of marriages within the traditional Kamba community were arranged, a practice deeply rooted in preserving family ties. However, a unique aspect emerged as men were occasionally granted the privilege of choosing their life partners, adding a personal touch to this age-old tradition.

Once a man identified a potential life partner, the initiation of the courtship process involved a formal proposal. The groom's father took on the responsibility of meeting the bride's father, a crucial step in seeking approval for the union. In a testament to the significance of family dynamics, the consent of the bride's mother was also sought.

The commitment to marriage was sealed with symbolic gestures that held profound cultural significance. Three goats were dispatched to the bride's parents, symbolizing a commitment to building a future together. This gesture, deeply ingrained in tradition, represented the suitor's pledge to honor and care for his future spouse.

Dowry negotiations were a pivotal aspect of the courtship process, reflecting the socio-economic standing of the prospective groom. The bride's family considered the suitor's wealth when discussing the dowry. Notably, the bride price, a symbol of commitment, was not paid in its entirety upfront. Instead, it was designed to endure as long as the relationship between the couple.

The bride price, a multifaceted offering, embodied the essence of the commitment being made. It typically included a bull, symbolizing strength and fertility, two cows denoting prosperity, and several goats reflecting familial abundance. 

Additionally, symbolic items such as a leather rope (mukwa), traditional beer (muratine), a drum of honey (kithembe kya uki wa nzuki), and bananas were presented, each carrying its unique cultural symbolism.

After the bridewealth negotiations reached a consensus and the symbolic items exchanged hands, the bride was ceremoniously "abducted" to her husband's home. 

This ritualistic act, while symbolizing the transition into married life, held deep cultural significance, reinforcing the commitment made through the union.

The Akamba view marriage as a pivotal life event, ensuring family continuity. Arranged marriages were common, with three goats symbolizing commitment. Polygamy, a symbol of wealth, was practiced, and 'Maweto' marriages provided an alternative for specific circumstances.

Single Mothers

Single mothers redeemed themselves by becoming second or third wives, and a stable family structure emphasized the importance of a man as the head. Widows practiced Levirate marriage, contributing to the community's continuity.

Widows

In adherence to longstanding customs, widows among the Akamba traditionally engaged in Levirate marriage. This practice entails the deceased man's brother marrying his widowed sister-in-law, ensuring the continuation of family ties and lineage.

Widowers

For widowers who passed away before entering marital unions, the Akamba community orchestrated a distinctive practice known as 'kuungamia isyitwa' or 'ghost marriages.' 

In this ceremonial union, parents took the initiative to find a suitable bride for their departed son. Proposals were made, and the customary bride price was paid. 

Subsequently, the chosen bride was symbolically united with her 'ghost' husband, a ritual aimed at sustaining the family lineage even in the absence of the groom.

Roles of Men and Women in Marriage

In the intricate fabric of Akamba marriage, matured men, known as 'nthele,' assumed the responsibility of defending the community and accumulating wealth through authorized cattle raids. 

Conversely, women played a pivotal role in agricultural activities, cultivating the land to provide sustenance for their families. Additionally, women took charge of nurturing children and managing various household chores, contributing significantly to the familial structure.

Furthermore, the community elders, often grandparents, actively participated in the education of teenagers. Initiated girls received instruction in domestic duties and family management, while boys underwent training in skills such as hunting, herding, and home maintenance, shaping them into responsible members of the community.

Inheritance Practices

The traditional Kamba community adhered to a patrilineal system of inheritance, where sons were designated as the rightful heirs to their fathers' possessions. 

Women, by custom, were not entitled to own property unless specifically allocated by their husbands. This entitlement persisted until their demise or remarriage. 

In the absence of sons, the inheritance responsibility shifted to the husband's lineage, ensuring the continuation of familial legacies within the community.

Death

Death holds a unique significance in Akamba culture, where a deep-seated belief in reincarnation shapes their understanding of the afterlife. According to this belief, when individuals pass away, they return as newborns within their departed family. 

To commemorate this cycle, a child receives the name of an ancestor, signifying their reincarnation. Common names among those believed to have reincarnated include Kasyoka, Musyoka, Nzioka, Nzioki, Musyoki, Nthioki, and Muthoki.

Funeral Practices and Mourning

Upon the demise of an individual, the Akamba community follows distinct funeral practices. The deceased is either buried or, in sparsely populated areas, left in the forest or wilderness. 

Burial ceremonies are preceded by elder, circumcised men, while older women undertake the solemn duty of burying children.

Mourning is marked by the expressive lamentations of women, who are allowed to convey their emotions openly. In contrast, men adhere to a stoic demeanor, refraining from displaying emotions, a practice considered a sign of strength. Communal beer becomes a companion during the mourning period, as men find solace in shared moments of remembrance.

Temporary Cessation of Activities

The passing of an individual prompts a temporary cessation of daily activities within the community. Cultivation, marital relations, and other ordinary pursuits come to a standstill as a mark of respect for the departed. 

Children are excluded from burial processions, creating a protected space for them during this somber period.

Funeral Rituals

Funerals typically occur a day or two after death, but the mourning period extends for a month or more. The deceased is laid to rest either naked or wrapped in a single cloth, with specific postures reflecting gender distinctions. 

Males are laid on their right side, while females assume the left side. Following the funeral, a cleansing ritual is performed at the homestead to ward off any perceived negative omens, underscoring the Akamba community's reverence for tradition and spiritual beliefs surrounding death.

Final Thoughts

The Akamba people, with their vibrant cultural practices, showcase a unique blend of family dynamics, totemic clans, and distinctive rituals. 

Their beliefs in reincarnation and funeral ceremonies unveil a profound connection to spirituality. Hope the provided insights offer a glimpse into the Akamba's captivating traditions. 

What more do you know about the Akamba? 

Feel free to share in the comments, as we continue to unravel the richness of diverse cultures.