The Kalenjins are a cluster of tribes centered in Kenya. They have nine subgroups based on language and clan lineage. One of their subgroups is the Marakwet.
Kalenjin people speak Kiswahili and English in addition to their own language. In this case, the language of the Marakwet clan is Markweeta.
Their ancestors arrived from the Nile River centuries ago. Each of the nine groups were assigned land that had access to the banks of the Kerio River. They used boundary stones to mark the divisions.
Marakwet Kalenjins are an agricultural group. Many of their houses are on the face of the escarpment above the valley floor. The area is fed by three small rivers from the mountains. Water is distributed by an intricate series of irrigation furrows, which are thought to be over 400 years old. These are cleared and maintained by the people throughout the year. Farming includes a wide variety of crops, such as millet, cowpeas, corn, bananas, mangos, and papaya. In addition, families keep sheep, goats, and some cattle, although theft and raiding by other tribes in the valley keep those herds small.
Some marriages are still arranged, but an increasing number of modern young people are finding one another. In either case, the young man dons a special pair of leggings with many bells. He dances vigorously outside the hut of the maiden, who expresses complete surprise at the visit and feigns distaste for the young man involved. If she seriously does not wish to marry her suitor, she may beg her father not to send her away. Since the father has probably already negotiated and received the "bride price", which has increased his wealth substantially, these pleas are not often taken seriously.
When a man marries, he will petition his clan elders to be assigned several plots of land. One of these plots will be a homestead on the escarpment, typically 100 feet by 100 feet, while the others will be farming plots of 2-5 acres located in the valley.
Children are considered an asset on the farm, but few survive to adulthood. It is estimated that 12-14 pregnancies may be required to achieve 4-7 adolescent children.
Many are nominally Christian; ethnic religion is dominant, even among Christians. Though some put their faith in Jesus Christ, most look to the spirit world for guidance and blessings.
The Marakwet Kalenjin are a people in crisis and desperately need a strong Christian faith to flourish. The people fight an uphill battle against the forces of civilization.
Pray for them to understand that the Lord can and will provide for all their spiritual and material needs when they put their trust in Him.
Pray for Marakwet Kalenjin husbands to love and respect their wives and always remain faithful to them.
Pray that soon Marakwet Kalenjin churches will be preparing and sending workers to the least-reached parts of Africa.
Pray for revival fire to bless Marakwet Kalenjin churches and families abundantly.
Scripture Prayers for the Kalenjin, Marakwet in Kenya.
Anonymous.
https://www.govisitkenya.com/kalenjin-people.html
https://www.101lasttribes.com/tribes/kalenjin.html
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
