Luhya

Language and Tradition

For the most part, the Luhya are based in a province called Western in Kenya. Tribes of the Luhya are also settled in the areas around Mount Elgon and as far as Uganda.

The language of the Luhya is exactly the same as their name. However, within the clans, their own dialects are also spoken. There are 18 different clans in Kenya. Today, the majority of the Luhya belong to Christianity. Some clans still believe in the god of Mount Elgon. They still strongly adhere to old traditions and rites such as witchcraft and ancestor cults. Female and male circumcision was practiced by the Luhya for a very long time. In isolated cases, this is still the case today. However, most people have rejected circumcision for a long time and no longer practice it.

Famous Football Club

The Luhya have even made a name for themselves in football. One of the most well-known and popular football clubs in East and Central Africa is the AFC Leopards. The club has produced numerous well-known and successful players.

The Luhya are said to be extremely quarrelsome and hopelessly divided among themselves with many of their sub-tribes. This has resulted in many important voices for election candidacies for some very high and respected political positions being absent and the elections being lost.