The Kalenjin community has sayings and proverbs which play an important role in educating, entertaining, warning and shaping behaviors of people in the society.
Here are some of the top ones that were commonly used by the elderly.
Makindoitoe sokol tai komi tamanu let
The saying is loosely translated as 'nine comes first before ten'. It is used to refrain people from rushing into conclusions before putting into consideration some advises that might be paramount in their judgments.
Makitoroktai tiich cheketu mureno
It is translated to 'never go after cattle being driven home by a man'. The saying intended to empower the male child to protect the community from any attacks. A man in the Kalenjin community was a soldier responsible to provide security to the community.
Rorechin kwendet nemii busa nemii ma
It is loosely translated as 'a stored firewood will always laugh at a burning firewood'. The intention of this saying is to warn the community never to celebrate the misfortune of others.
Mokisute sot amayi teta
It basically means 'never prepare a gourd before a cow gives birth'. It can be relayed to an English saying of 'do not count your chicken before the eggs are hatched".
Mokilenchin bunyot amon kondan
It can be loosely translated as never show an enemy that your weakness in the eye. The saying was meant to advise the Kalenjin community members to exploit their potentials as well as keep in mind that their weakness may work against them.