Introduction / History

The Chukas are a subgroup of the Merus. Their language is Gichuka.

Traditionally, their society was in a constant state of war. Their warriors were kept in a constant state of alertness, where they would not lead a normal life until they had fought an enemy. Once an enemy was detected, a group of warriors would sound the alarm through drums. The sound would alert the next group, who would respond with more drumming until the entire fighting force was ready for battle. Famine was common. Ironically, famine caused tribes to stop fighting and trade with one another for scarce goods.

Eventually, the British conquered the Chukas and other tribes. They forced these Africans to work on farms and build roads in near slave conditions.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Chukas keep their traditions alive through oral story-telling. There is a university in their area, which provides jobs. Most, however, are small-scale farmers who grow corn, beans, bananas, and coffee.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Kenya is a highly Christianized country, and that is also true for many of the local tribes such as the Chukas. God can use the Chukas as an evangelistic force in Africa.

However, they still struggle with traditional religion, witchcraft, and curses. Even Christian believers sometimes go to a shaman for help.

What Are Their Needs?

Chuka churches need to take their calling as Christ’s ambassadors to heart. They need to send many to reach those who haven’t heard the gospel.

Prayer Items

Their language is Gichuka, and they only have portions of the Bible available. Pray for a complete Bible in the Gichuka language.
Pray for Wycliffe Bible Translators as they seek to recruit the right translators.
Pray for them to also have Christian music translated into the Gichuka language.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in Chuka churches and families, preparing them to go to the lost.

Scripture Prayers for the Chuka in Kenya.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuka,_Kenya
https://bluegecko.org/kenya/tribes/chuka/history.htm
https://www.wycliffe.org/Main%20Uploads/Projects/PDF/CF%20Profile%20PDFs/CF%20Chuka%20Profile%20WEB2.pdf