What does the name “Mbeere” mean? Mbeere means “First”. Mbeere community is part of the Bantu linguistic group as well as closely related to the Embu people. Much is not known regarding their time of migration and how they migrated because they were once one clan with the Embu, however, after an inter-clan conflict, they separated. Mbeere Community is one of the few communities whose origin can be traced in Kenya. They migrated from Mariguuri (Land of Bananas) and settled at Igamba ng’ombe. Today, Mbeere people live in Embu District in the Eastern Province of Kenya. Mbeere people speak Kimbeere language which is a dialect similar to one spoken by the Embu.

Governance

Traditionally, the Mbeere were governed by the council of elders (kiama – kia – itura). These elders were responsible for everything which took place in the community including, dispute solving, land administration, maintaining law and order and so on.

Naming

After birth, it was necessary to name a newborn, especially after their grandparents. Among the Mbeere community, factors are revolving around the naming of a newborn.

1) Naming after grandparents

 (gender of their grandparents)

When the newborn is a male child then he is named after his grandfather from the father’s side. If the second born is also a baby boy, he is named after the mother’s father, however, if the second born is a girl, she is named after her grandmother from the father’s side. Generally, if a married woman gives birth, the first child is usually named after the grandparents from the father’s side.

Circumcision

This was an important rite of passage as it was a transition into adulthood. At around the age of 15 years, both girls and boys were ready for circumcision. Young women went through clitoridectomy – the total removal of the clitoral glands (the external part of the clitoris) which is the most sensitive part of the female genitalia. After circumcision, they were ready for marriage. Young boys also went through circumcision after which they formed an age set who had several responsibilities in the community. Little is known of the Mbeere community, however, they are a social, diverse and a distinct group of people.

This Article is originally written by Ann Njeri, a cultural writer and member of The Social Press.