The Gusii of Kenya

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.