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Tears of Disinheritance: Revisiting t...
In Tears of Disinheritance, Ben Ole Koissaba systematically analyzes many of the issues arising from matters of land from the perspective of the Maasai. Going as far back as memory and written records reach, Dr. Koissaba captures the story of the Maasai, their origins, belief system and migrations to vast stretches of land that form most of the Rift Valley, both in Kenya and Tanzania.
He succinctly captures the genesis of many a conflict, displacement and subsequent impoverishment, including treaties purportedly signed on behalf of the Maasai at the advent of colonialism; treaties that even independent Kenya has failed to address. Tears of Disinheritance makes the case for the rights of indigenous peoples in Kenya, drawing parallels with similar cases in countries like Canada, Australia and the USA.
This book is thought-provoking in more ways than one on matters of land and how best to view and use land as well as how best to protect the land rights of indigenous people in Kenya.
Oral Poetry in Africa :The Abagusii o...
Oral Poetry in Africa: The Abagusii of Kenya highlights characteristics of African
oral traditions with particular focus on the oral poetry of the Abagusii of Kenya. It
shows that oral poetry in the Abagusii community covered every facet of life. The
community’s social-political and economic life, history, values, norms and customs
were stored in the oral poetry, in addition to proverbs, riddles and folktales. Notably,
oral poetry coloured the entire life of Omogusii and was sung during birth, initiation,
marriage and death ceremonies. This book documents the oral poetry of the
community in its original form, and in various versions that were practised or sung in
different parts of the region inhabited by the community. Further, the book discusses
the context in which this poetry was sung and explains some of the cultural practices,
norms, and customs that surround or motivated the composition of the poetry.
The advent of colonialism had ‘corrupting’ influence on the original poetry, more so
with the adoption of English words and phrases. This kind of poetry has not been left
out.
Aside from the general poetry and the book also captures emeino, the Abagusii
classical oral poetry. While the general poetry utilized improvisation as a technique in
its presentation and performance, the classical poetry was a fixed form that demanded
to be sung in its original form. Unlike the general poetry that, in its ephemerality,
invited additions and subtractions from the text, classical poetry was permanent in
text with no room for improvisation.
Oral Poetry in Africa: The Abagusii of Kenya is meant for students of oral literature
at university level. However, it can also be used by researchers of African oral
literature, culture, anthropology, history and sociology. Indeed, it is also good for the
general reader who is interested in the culture of Abagusii and African people, in general
The Untold Story:Gusii Survival Techn...
The Untold Story, Gusii Survival Techniques and Resistance to the Establishment of British Colonial
Rule. There is little written about the resistance to the establishment of the British colonial rule in Gusii.
The scant knowledge available on this historical phenomenon in Kenya is inaccurate and intentionally
distorted in favour of the colonial master. The truth, contrary to the incorrect histories presented by the
British, is that the Kings African Rival soldiers suffered humiliating defeat in their initial encounter with
Gusii warriors. It was a landmark historical event. Otenyo Nyamaterere is incorrectly portrayed as a
frustrated and deranged lone-ranger who was high on narcotics when he attacked with a spear and
injured the first District Commissioner of Kisii, Geoffrey Northcote. In a fierce rebuttal to this falsehood
existing in colonial narratives, this book attempts to correct this erroneousness portrayal of a lead
warrior who valiantly came out in defense of community and its lands.
And there is context to this resistance. Over many years, the Gusii had honed their fighting skills and
survival strategies from the many years of struggle against the hostile and warlike neighbours – the
Maasai, the Kipsigis and the Luo. These skills and strategies that came in handy when later the Gusii
faced a more formidable external aggressor – the Kings African Rival soldiers. The Gusii warriors fought
with valour, demonstrating great fighting skills in their encounter with these forces of conquest even as
the latter were better armed. Inevitably the warriors lost, defeated due to the British superior
weaponry. The Gusii weapons and hand to hand combat fighting could not match the British gun power.
The Gusii of Kenya by John S. Akama
The Gusii of Kenya: Social, Economic, Cultural, Political & Judicial Perspectives provides in-depth topical insights of the Gusii (also known as the Kisii) of Kenya. The book captures historical aspects of the Gusii and how they ended up occupying their present lands. It enunciates the group’s cultural, political and economic organization that are core to the group’s identify and overall survival. Reading the book would provide understanding of some noticeable elements of these perspectives that persist to date. Cultural aspects such as the rites of passage and weddings, part of core identity elements of a people, are well articulated. Social organization, starting at the homestead to clan to community level, was intricately woven to form a coherence whole that defined the Gusii. Indeed, this also formed a basis of core elements of code of conduct (chinsoni) and justice as traditionally administered.
The book also raises a number of questions regarding the core character of the Gusii such as lack of central authority and the implications this has had on the community over time. One can only speculate the trajectory of history that would have been had the Gusii organized themselves differently.
Gusii Soapstone Industry:Critical iss...
As is the case with most African indigenous industries, not much research has been done on
the Gusii soapstone industry. Consequently, the main aim of this book is to fill the identified
gap. Specifically, this book traces the origin of the Gusii soapstone industry, going through
various stages, i.e. the Pre-Colonial, Colonial and Post-Colonial periods. Within this historical
context, the book provides an elucidation of the social, economic, political and cultural factors
that have impacted on the evolution and/or development of the soapstone industry. A critical
issue captured in the book is the fact that, over the years, the soapstone handicraft products
have been transformed from being items of utility for the local people to, mainly, becoming
non-utility items that are sold to outsiders, particularly international tourists as unique pieces
of indigenous handicraft and/or African art. However, it should be noted that, notwithstanding
this transformation, indigenous cultural attributes and/or cultural themes that would have
otherwise disappeared, due to increased impacts of globalization, are being preserved by the
sculpturing of unique indigenous soapstone products. Furthermore, currently, the soapstone
industry has become a major source of livelihood for the Gusii people of Tabaka in
Southwestern Kenya.
This book provides a lucid articulation of various facets (i.e., social, economic, cultural and
political perspectives) of the Gusii soapstone industry, and the fundamental factors that have
made the industry survive, over the years, notwithstanding the introduction of mass produced
goods from the Western world. The conceptualization of the role of the indigenous industry in
promoting sustainable livelihood is clearly brought out, and is presented within the broader
milieu of the Gusii society. The book provides excellent reading for anyone interested in having
proper perspectives on the history and the overall development of the Gusii soapstone industry.
Elkanah Ong’esa, a world renowned artist and soapstone sculptor.
As much as the soapstone sculptures are found in museums, art galleries, curio shops and
people’s homes in most major cities of the world, not much research and documentation of
these unique indigenous industry initiatives has been done. In light of that, this book on the
Gusii soapstone industry fills a critical niche and is quite handy for people from all walks of
life and academia looking for up to date information on the Gusii soapstone industry. Dr.
Margaret Barasa, Anthropolinguistic Expert, and Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social
Sciences, Kisii University, Kenya.
Most literature on African indigenous industries, such as soapstone mining, carving and
marketing, is based on Eurocentric approach which looks at these industries and African art as
exotic items for the pleasure of Western gentry and middleclass. Adopting an Afrocentric
approach, this book provides a refreshing analysis of the history, transformation and growth of
the Gusii soapstone industry; an indigenous initiative that has evolved, systematically, over the
years, and has shown a lot of resiliency in the face of many complex challenges. The book is
recommended to people who want to have a proper perspective of similar indigenous industries
and the Gusii soapstone industry in particular. Matunda Nyanchama, Publisher.
This book looks at the resilience of the soapstone industry in Gusii. It shows that the soapstone
carvings as currently developed by the Gusii people may have its origin in ancient traditions
that dates back to hundreds and perhaps thousands of years. It also gives a good historical
analysis of the growth and development of the soapstone industry. It will goes a long way in
illuminating critical aspects of the Gusii soapstone industry. Herman Kiriama, Senior
Research Fellow, Kisii University, Kenya.
Undeterred : The Rural Boy’s Jo...
Undeterred is an insightful exposé of his distinctive life as an academic
and community leader in Africa. It shows that taking a strategic life path
of positive thinking, commitment and hard work can lead to success and
eventual achievement of cherished dreams and aspirations; even against
all odds that may stand on the way.
Prof. Akama grew up in a simple rural African setting in Kenya’s hinterland,
and was raised by a typical Kenyan peasant family with meagre resources
and limited frills. He went through early childhood enculturation and basic
education in rural Kenyan schools, characterized by limited educational
resources, scant infrastructure and minimal facilities.
Through high school and university, his path was characterized by daunting
challenges and setbacks. Being one who does not give up easily, and
notwithstanding the many odds encountered, he managed to succeed in
several fronts to get to the pinnacle of academia and university leadership.
Prof. Akama’s discourse is a vivid testimony that all of us, as human
beings, are capable of overcoming many life challenges that come our way,
if we are guided by principles of determination, selflessness, focus,
commitment and hard work
