Oral Literature

Emeino y'Egetinginye Enchome is a captivating book of Ekegusii poetry that celebrates the rich tapestry of the AbaGusii people. The poems within this collection explore the depths of love, the enchanting beauty of the EkeGusii language and culture, and the splendor of the natural world. From the majestic rivers and rolling hills to the vibrant flora and fauna, the anthology paints a vivid portrait of the Gusii homeland. Readers are invited to savor the essence of Ekegusii heritage through the poet's exploration of traditional culinary arts, cherished dishes, and cultural landmarks. The collection is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Gusii people, expressed through the lyrical power of their native tongue. The poems in this book were conceived in Ekegusii in a bid to capture the nuances of Gusii's spoken art, culture, language, and way of life, which is surely facing extinction. It persuades the reader to go back not only in time but also to the roots of the essence of Ekegusii. There is an attempt to translate the poems to English for a wider reach. Anciently of the clan of Masisi of the Bagesaka from Bobasi, Nyansera Otieno is a scribe, painter, curator, cultural activist, and native language crusader. He has taught at the Bugema University (Uganda) and Kisii University (Kenya) at the School of Arts and Social Sciences, Department of Languages Linguistics and Literature. He holds a doctorate in linguistics from Kisii University. He is a crusader for Gusii Language and Culture revitalization. He writes poetry and short stories from his rich EkeGusii oral literature background. He patronizes the Bobasi Branch of the AbaGusii Cultural and Development Council and Mwanyagetinge Heritage Council, Bobasi Chapter.