The Luhya people are a Bantu ethnic group in Kenya, with a population of over 5 million. They primarily reside in the western part of the country, particularly in the provinces of Western and Rift Valley. The major towns where the Luhya people are concentrated include Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga, and Busia.
The Luhya people have a rich history and are believed to have migrated to their current location from the Congo Basin. They have a decentralized political system, with each sub-group having its own chief or leader. The Luhya people speak various dialects of the Luhya language, which is part of the Niger-Congo language family.
The Luhya people have a vibrant culture, which is reflected in their music, dance, and traditional attire. Their staple food is ugali, a maize meal, which is often served with vegetables, meat, or fish. The Luhya people have traditional beliefs and practices, with some adhering to Christianity and others to African traditional religions.
The Luhya people are known for their skills in agriculture, particularly in growing crops such as maize, millet, and beans. They are also skilled in crafts such as pottery and basket weaving. Some notable individuals from the Luhya community include former Kenyan Vice President Moody Awori and renowned writer Grace Ogot.
The Luhya people have close ties with neighboring ethnic groups such as the Luo, Kikuyu, and Kalenjin. They have intermarried and share cultural practices with these communities, further enriching the diversity of Kenya’s ethnic landscape.
