Sabaot people

The Sabaot are one of the nine sub-tribes of the Kalenjin of Kenya and Uganda. The Sabaot in turn are divided into six communities largely identified by their dialects. These dialects of the Sabaot language are the Pok, Somek, Mosop, Kony, Bong'omek and Sabiny (Sebei). Being resident around Mount Elgon, the original homeland of most Kalenjin, the Sabaot are seen as the keepers of the authentic Kalenjin tradition. They and the area they inhabit are often referred to as Kapkugo (meaning grandparents/ancestors place) by other Kalenjin.

Origins

Tha Sabaot were among the Southern Nilotic speaking communities, i.e. proto-Kalenjin, who moved into the western highlands and Rift Valley region of Kenya around 700 BC. Their homelands lay somewhere near the common border between Sudan, Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia . Their arrival in Kenya occurred shortly before the introduction of iron to East Africa.[1] Contemporary studies, supported by a number of historical narratives from the various Kalenjin sub-tribes point to Tulwetab/Tuluop Kony (Mount Elgon) as their original point of settlement in Kenya.

Settlement

Oral tradition

The traditional account states that most Sabaot once lived at a place called Sengwer which is near the Cherangani Hills. The patriarch of the Sabaot community is said to have been a man called Kingo who moved to Kony from Sengwer. It is said that Kingo had four sons; Chebok, Chepkony, Chesabiny and Chebong’Om. These sons or one of them at least once broke a gourd belonging to their father and Kingo being very mad banished them from their home. The four sons dispersed, some to Bungoma and others to areas further south and west. Wherever each of these sons went, they established a clan and at a later date these clans returned becoming the main clans of the Sabaot community.[2]

Traditional life

Initiation

Like other Kalenjin and a number of East African societies, the Sabaot traditionally practiced male and female circumcision. Male circumcision was meant to enhance cleanliness and bravery while female circumcision was practiced to reduce promiscuity.

Economic activities

In previous times, the Sabaot had vast lands which allowed for a pastoral lifestyle. With decreasing land size, the Sabaot have been forced to drastically change their lifestyle from cattle herding to planting maize (corn) and vegetables.[3]

Culture

The principal reference points in the Sabaot identity have been land and cattle both of which are coming under increasing threat, from growing land shortages and decreasing pastoralism respectively, which along with a decline in the practice of certain traditional customs such as initiation and polygamy have led to a sense among the Sabaot that their identity is under threat.[4]

Notable people

Jonson Authur Sakaja, Politician,Governor Nairobi county
Fred Kapondi, politician and a member of parliament, Mt. Elgon Constituency.
Dr. Robert Pukose, Medical Doctor & politician, a member of parliament, Endebess Constituency[5]
Moss Ndiema, Politician, Secretary General, Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), Kenya
William Chemonges, Politician,MP. Kween, Uganda
Rose Emma Cherukut, Politician,Woman MP. Kween District, Uganda
Abdi Fadhil Kisos Chemaswet, Politician, MP. Soi County, Uganda
Reuben Paul Chelimo, Politician, MP. Kongasis, Uganda
Solomon Malinga Chelangat, Politician, MP. Too, Uganda
Everlyn Chemutai, Politician,Woman MP. Bukwo District, Uganda
Twalla Fadhil, Politician, MP. Tingey, Uganda
Sam Cheptoris Mangusho, Politician, MP. Kapchorwa Municipality, Uganda
Phyllis Chemutai, Politician,Woman MP. Kapchorwa District, Uganda
Moses Masai, Olympian, 10000m bronze medallist
Linet Masai, Olympian, 2009 World 10000m champion
Milcah Chemos Cheywa, World Champion 3000m Steeplechase[6]
Joshua Cheptegei 5000m Olympic champion, 10000m World champion. Kapchorwa District, Uganda
Ben Jipcho 1972 Olympic silver medalist
Cellphine Chesipol, athlete
Mercy Moim, Volleyball
Allan Chesang, Senator, Tranzoia County
Lilian Siyoi, Woman Representative, Tranzoia County
Philomena Kapkory, Deputy Governor, Tranzoia County
Janepher Mbatiany, Deputy Governor, Bungoma County
Paul Kiptoo Masaba, Bishop, Sebei Diocese, Church of Uganda
Emmanuel Chemengich, ACK, Bishop Diocese of Kitale
Ben Jipcho, an Olympian
Peter Kemei, Gender Equality Advocate, Top 60 @60, Kenya[7]
Rev. Dr. Ptallah Butaki, Founder and Executive Director Imani Radio & Tv, Kenya and Uganda

References

Clark, J., & Brandt, St, From Hunters to Farmers: The Causes and Consequences of Food Production in Africa. University of California Press, 1984, p.234
Mountain Voices, Hezron, Kenya 14
Historical and Current Facts about The Sabaots, sabaot.com/history
Mountain Voices, Sabaot - Identity
Sabaots not marginalised by government – Kapondi, Kass Weekly
Moses out to deliver ‘Caanan’ in London, Citizen
https://nation.africa/kenya/news/gender/kenya-60-the-men-who-proudly-stood-up-for-gender-equality-4263918

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[books.google.co.ke-1] Clark, J., & Brandt, St, From Hunters to Farmers: The Causes and Consequences of Food Production in Africa. University of California Press, 1984, p.234

[2] Mountain Voices, Hezron, Kenya 14

[3] Historical and Current Facts about The Sabaots, sabaot.com/history

[4] Mountain Voices, Sabaot - Identity

[5] Sabaots not marginalised by government – Kapondi, Kass Weekly

[6] Moses out to deliver ‘Caanan’ in London, Citizen

[7] ttps://nation.africa/kenya/news/gender/kenya-60-the-men-who-proudly-stood-up-for-gender-equality-4263918