Clusters of Bukusu Clans- (Chibololi che Babukusu)

Did you know that Babukusu are organized into different clans, with those clans further organized within clusters? Yes, they do. Traditionally, a cluster is a group of clans that profess to a similarity such as having followed the same path during migration, lived around a particular hill, evoke one of the four oaths (silaao) of ancestry etc. If it were possible, a detailed account of each Ebololi could fill dozens of books but this is the slimmest summary possible. 

1)            Basilikwa Cluster

They are the direct descendants of Silikwa, who was one of the sons of Mubukusu who led the people in Esengeli during their early migration. The cluster also includes other clans who lived around and defended Silikwa highlands against the Kalenjin/Masa invaders (Barwa) plus the allies/captives of Barwa that were adopted into the Bukusu clan-fold. They make their oath to Namurwa (maternal ancestor), an Omurwa woman who was the mother of Mukisu and Mubukusu. They are militant (war) clans endowed with great wealth of animals whose heritage goes back to their friction with Barwa in Silikwa and Embayi.

Basilikwa clans include; Batukwiika (branched into Bakitang’a, Bakwangwa, Basakha, Baluleti and Banambobi), Bakimweyi (Bamukhwana, Banabuyoka, Batolometi & Banesoba), Babuulo, Babambo, Basefu, Bachemayi, Bakolati, Babiichachi, Batilu, Basimisi, Baliango, Barwa and Bakiyabi (branched into Babikeyo, Banelima & Balikiywa). 

 

2)            Bamwalie Cluster

Just like Silikwa Clans, Bamwalie invokes their heritage and pride in the Namurwa oath (silaalo sya Namurwa). They also came to present Bukusu lands from N. Easterly direction, including Mwalie Hills. They lived closely with Barwa Basebeyi, Balaku and Bakinisu in their migration path. This prolonged interaction with Barwa made Bamwalie adopt strange customs of Khuliicha. Today, Bamwalie have become to be known as Bayumbu (Tachoni), after Kitimule discovered they were actually long lost Bukusu brothers and sisters. However, to this day, some Bayumbu clans have denied allegiance to Bukusu sub-nation.

Clans under Bamwalie comprises of; Barefu, Basonge, Babangachi, Bahabiya, Basang’alo, Bamakina, Bawayila, Bamakhuli, Baengele, Basaniaka, Bakusi, Basamba, Basamo, Balukulu, Bakobolo, Babichu, Bamalicha, Bamacharia, Bakamukong’I, Bayumbu, and Banyangali.

*Part of Basonge were latest to adopt khuliicha customs and came to be called Basonge Bamwalie while the rest remained Basonge Befumbo (those who play Efumbo, the ceremonial drum).

3)            Bamalaba Cluster

They are direct descendants of Malaba son of Sioka. Remember Sioka was an Omulako clan leader who led Babukusu during migration after the death of Walumoli in Ekukumayi. Interestingly, Malaba has come to be associated with Bukusu Trinity (Wele Khakaba [Provider], Wele Mukhobe [The Light] and Wele Malaba [Protector]. Clans under Malaba cluster invoke oath of Munyole their paternal leader (who was circumcised along with Muyobo and Mutoto after Mango Omukhurarwa renewed the rite). Bamalaba clans thus find pride in among other customs, circumcision.

The clans here include; Balwonja (branched into Banawanga, Bakheyana, Bakutolo & Bamusabi), Bayemba (including Basaya [cheekbone eaters] & Bakhami [milkers]), Bayundo, Baala, Bakuta, Basakali, Baliuli, Babaasaba, Bakuunga, Bakhonjo and Babuuya (branched into Baholo, Basikulu, Bakabo, Bakhufwe & Bamwonja).

4)            Banabayi Cluster

They derive their name from Babaayi (herds-people) and are respected as babaayi be babandu. They are forerunners who blessed animals and lands before other clans settled. Before a homestead was set-up, Omunabayi would stuck a spear, take a lump of soil, look skywards and offer a prayer to bless the land. They could prepare herbs and sprinkle over grasslands and the community would realize great wealth of cattle. You can consider them as good luck charm and they make excellent, wise leaders. They put their allegiance to Munyole cluster.

Clans under Banabayi include; Bayaya, Basombi, Balunda, Baumba, Basime, Baleyi, Basekese, Batecho, Bakangala, Basichongoli, Bakoyi, Baliisa, Bamwaya and Bayiitu (The prophetic clan of Mutonyi wa Bukelembe where this author comes from).

Perhaps, next time you make a milestone (buy plot of land, four-wheeler or build a house), seek for an Omunabayi for a special blessing.

5)            Baneala Cluster

After the great dispersal warfare by Barwa Bamasai which drove massive Bukusu Clans out of Silikwa (as back as AD 800s), Baneala clans would come to settle at Neala Hills in the current Bugishu District. From there, they could come down to Mwiala (in Amukura). So, basically, they are clans that regrouped at Mwiala from Southern direction and they invoke the oath of Munyole (just as seen in Bamalaba & Banabayi).

They include among others; Bachibino, Bameme, Bakisyayi, Bakolongolo, Bameme, Batakhwe, Bamunaa, Bakhurarwa (tribe of Mango, the serpent slayer).

6)            Bakikayi Cluster

After the fall of Silikwa, Bakikayi are believed to be clans that regrouped in the Kikayi Hills in the present day Bugishu District, East of Uganda. They derive their name for staying for a long time around these hills alongside their kin Bamasaaba (Masaaba being the father of Mukisu and younger brother Mubukusu but Bakisu opted for the name Bamasaaba to express seniority).

Bakikayi would come to exist in two; those who profess oath of Naluwa (having lived in Muluwa Hills) and those who profess the Nawanga oath (Nawanga, Omuwanga woman is their maternal ancestor).

Bakikayi (I) who associated closely with Bamasaaba include; Bamuyonga, Balako (branched into Bakhandia, Bababweywe, Basiambo & Bakelo), Baechalo, Bachemwile, Bakokho, Basimaolia, Batemulani, Basituyi, Bamusomi (branched into Bamahe, Bayasere, Bamasiukha, Batunguya, Basiuma, Bamabechu, & Batoboso), Bakhoma and Bakisebe.

Bakikayi (II) who followed the lower lake side interacting with Basamia, Bakhayo, Banyala and Bawanga and finally landing in present Bukusu-land include; Basibacho, Bakhwami and Bamukoya.

Knowing Your Roots is as important as you are

**********************************************************

Credits: Profound gratitude to Patrick Makila, a fine anthropologist by whom we come to know much of this priceless knowledge.