KISII, Kenya – A community’s identity is shaped, solidarity and social cohesiveness are fostered, creativity is encouraged, and a model for peaceful coexistence is provided by embracing culture.
It is against this backdrop that Nominated Senator, Esther Okenyuri, has been traversing the larger Gusii region during this festive season, urging residents to embrace their cultural diversity to promote unity, national cohesion and economic progression.
For instance, under the guidance of culture enthusiast Obino Nyambane, the specially elected senator recently visited the Kiong’anyo Cultural Organisation, a registered Community-Based Organisation (CBO) domiciled at Humpreys Hill House.
“The Kiong’anyo Cultural Organisation is truly a reservoir of preservation where culture is not only remembered but also etched in soapstone, narrated through art and kept alive through folk tales and folk songs passed down generations,” said Senator Okenyuri.
Senator Okenyuri, the vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Trade, Industrialisation and Tourism, disclosed that one outstanding piece she encountered was Mwanyagetinge.
“Mwanyagetinge is a beautifully crafted artwork symbolising the six main Gusii clans: Omobasi, Omogirango, Omonchari, Omomachoge, Omonyaribari and Omogetutu. As Omomachoge, it was deeply inspiring to learn that our symbol in the artwork was the Colobus Monkey( Abasweta),” she further stated.
From folk tales, the youthful lawmaker revealed that Omosweta, the son of Mogusii, was born covered in hair like a monkey and hence the name Omosweta because he resembled a colobus monkey.
“Interestingly, later in life, colobus monkeys mysteriously spared his crops while invading other people’s farms. Resultantly, the Abasweta clan embraced the monkey as a friendly and symbolic guardian,” Senator Okenyuri further stated.
Why is the Gusii community’s culture important
Following her visit to Kiong’anyo, Senator Okenyuri said she had appreciated that the Gusii community has every reason to be proud.
“Our culture is beautiful and rich, forming the very foundation of our identity. Let us strive to embrace, celebrate and preserve it. By doing so, we affirm who we are, protect our uniqueness and ensure continuity of our identity for posterity,” explained the senator.
Meanwhile, the senator also visited the Olympic Self Help Group and reaffirmed my support for grassroots initiatives that seek to enable self autonomy of community members.
“Further, I encouraged the women to continue working collaboratively; if their project is to succeed, it is a step towards enhancing sustainable livelihood and shared prosperity amongst each other. Women form an integral part of society,” explained Senator Okenyuri.
Why did Senator Okenyuri meet Jane Bosibori Marando Obuchi
Additionally, Senator Okenyuri, a member of the Senate Finance and Budget, Powers and Privileges committee, also took advantage of the festive season to hold talks with Jane Bosibori Marando Obuchi HSC, a renowned writer, researcher, teacher and custodian of the Gusii cultural heritage.
“Being the last Monday of 2025, let me reflect on a certain meaningful connection. Her work takes me right back to my days in lower school studying Ekegusii( Mother Tongue),” said Senator Okenyuri while describing Jane as Omworokia, Omoriki, Omoonchori Omoegereri bw’Ekegusii.
Jane has authored many significant works, including Endabasia Yechinkwana Chi’Ekegusii (Ekegusii Dictionary), Chingero Chi’Abagusii, Ekegusii N’ekiya and Marando the Farmer and Other Stories.
“Further, she has translated into Ekegusii popular books amongst us. Part of the books she has translated include William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet as Romeo na Churieti, Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s The River Between as Oroche Oroatanani, and Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart as Binto Mbisebererekani,” added the Senator.
According to Senator Okenyuri, meeting Jane reminded her of how essential cultural preservation through languages and stories is.
“How lucky we are to have such a reservoir of knowledge in our midst!” stated Senator Okenyuri.
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