Ogiek are indigenous tribe in Kenya today. They spent their lives in forest; where their main economic activity was hunting and gathering. In Nakuru, Ogiek inhabits was in Mariashoni, Molo district. Here are a few amazing things you should know about Ogiek community.
Hunters and Gatherers
For years, the Ogiek community have been depending on their environment for hunting and gathering. They hunt (though illegal now) wild animals such as antelopes, gazelles and wild pigs. This community also are the best bee keepers because they depend on honey.
Unique way of life
Ogiek lives in special houses called gotab telek almost similar to manyatta of Maasai community. Since the community moves from region to region, the houses are not permanent. When it comes to dressing, the women wear special attire called nderit while the men wears clothes called tisiet. Such attire are made of animal skin.
Environment is prioritized
The Ogiek believes that all their food comes from the environment. As such, they strictly conserve the environment. It is a taboo to fell down a tree and elders punish anyone who ever attempts to cut down trees. That could be the reason why the community has spent years in forest without conflicting with environment.
Males are circumcised when they are 20 years old
In a ritual of initiation, only males that are 20 years and above are circumcised. Circumcision is seen to be passage of right from childhood to adulthood. As such, after circumcision, the young circumcised men are expected to marry.