The Origin Of Curse Belief Tale of Maina

Maina was a polygamous man who is said to have run away from his homeland. This was after his son got involved in a sexual affair with one of his wives He, therefore, could not stand embarrassment and fled to a place called Menyangai. It translated to “where God lives”, currently known as Menengai. Maina left all he knew and went up  Central Kenya,(Gikuyu land), where he finally settled.

This was the origin of the name Maina, which is used to name kids in Gikuyu is why Gikuyus. It has also been adapted by the Bukusus. Unfortunately, Maina is also believed to have left a curse as he ran away. The curse allegedly affected his people up to the fourth generation. Although not confirmed, it is a common belief among the community. Some of the Bukusu beliefs can be referred to this tale. They believe that disrespect to the elders can earn an individual a curse, that will eventually affect his generation up to the fourth one. The fear of a curse makes the society to honor elders and uphold the values of the society.

During the prayers at the shrine, the congregation faces Mt Sayuni (Mt Elgon). It is from that direction that they believe Wele Khakaba (God) resides from. Women sit down with their legs stretched while men bow with their left knee touching the ground. The prayers made are done in a chanting with the format of call and response- the leaders utter some verses of the prayer while the rest of the congregation respond with other verses. According to Elijah’s lastborn son, he suggests that just like Christians they use the holy bible but they tend to ignore the part of Jesus Christ.

 Common Terms Used in Bukusu

‘Libina’: is a Bukusu term that is used to refer to a cave for instance the cave of Mango is refered to as the libina lia Mango.

‘Embako’: is a term used to refer to a hoe in the Bukusu community. The hoe is an essential tool in this community since it carries their livelihood as in it is used in the cultivation for crops that provide food to them.

‘Ekholo’: is a term used to refer to a clan within the Bukusu community

‘Wele Khakaba’: it is a term used to refer to the creator.

Spirits Among The Babukusu