Isukha Luhya in Kenya

The Isukha Luhya have only been reported in Kenya
Population
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

Luhya refers to a group of 16 tribes in western Kenya. They speak mutually intelligible dialects by different names. For example, the Isukha Luhyas speak the Luidakho-Luisukha-Lutirichi dialect. Each of the Luhya tribes are divided into several clans.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Isukha Luhyas are farmers who grow corn, beans, peanuts, bananas, cabbages, cassava, green beans, and other vegetables for their food source. They also grow coffee, tea, sugarcane, cotton, and sunflowers for trade. They raise livestock, including chickens, ducks, turkeys, goats, sheep, and cattle. Their farming tools can range from simple metal hoes to oxen or tractors, depending on their location and financial resources.

Farm work is divided between the two genders. At home, girls help their mothers care for young children and do housework, while boys follow their father’s lead, doing farmwork. Fathers do little child care, except to take them to a doctor. Gender roles are less strict in urban environments, and there is always the question about whether it is more important for children to attend school or help on the family farm.

Like most people of rural Kenya, the Luhyas live in homesteads with their nuclear families and sometimes grandparents. In today’s world, Luhya grandparents are more and more likely to play the role of a foster parent. Each family is independent, but they help other families in times of crisis.

Traditionally, the Luhyas were renowned for their blacksmithing skills, and today they continue to practice this craft, alongside producing pottery and other useful items.

Disputes are usually resolved at the clan level. Unresolved crimes are addressed by the local government.

They also enjoy sports, especially soccer. There are many excellent Luhya soccer players. Some Luhya tribes engage in bullfighting.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Isukha Luhyas are officially Christian, but many still practice witchcraft and sorcery. Sorcery and witchcraft are usually blamed for untimely deaths.

Luhya churches are strong, and they have the potential to disciple many to take Christ’s name to other parts of Africa.


What Are Their Needs?

As is the case in most Kenyan communities, the traditional culture is under heavy pressure. Development and modernization have a substantial impact on most parts of traditional life. However, they have maintained a large number of traditional customs, some of which have been adapted to modernity. For instance, initiation rites still take place among virtually all sections of the population. Still, the timing has been adapted to coincide with school vacations, so that they do not interfere with the child's education.

Unemployment is rampant. Their limited health care is poorly equipped. They have poor roads, and the people live in poverty.


Prayer Items

Pray for better roads and medical facilities for the Luhyas.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in Isukha Luhya churches and families.
Pray for them to draw close to the only Savior, Jesus Christ, and desire an even closer walk with him.
Pray for hundreds to be called and sent by their churches to the spiritually lost in Sudan and Somalia.


Scripture Prayers for the Luhya, Isukha in Kenya.


References

https://www.101lasttribes.com/tribes/luhya.html
https://famouskenya.com/luhya-tribe/


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Luhya, Isukha
People Name in Country Luhya, Isukha
Natural Name Isukha Luhya
Alternate Names
Population this Country 112,000
Population all Countries 112,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 20204
ROP3 Code 114848
Country Kenya
Region Africa, East and Southern
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Kakamega, Bungoma, and Nandi counties.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Kenya
Region Africa, East and Southern
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Kakamega, Bungoma, and Nandi counties..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Ethnolinguistic map or other map

Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 41.00 %)
85.00 %
Ethnic Religions
15.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Luidakho-Luisukha-Lutirichi (112,000 speakers)
Language Code ida   Ethnologue Listing
Primary Dialect Isukha
Dialect Code 20845   Global Recordings Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Luidakho-Luisukha-Lutirichi (112,000 speakers)
Language Code ida   Ethnologue Listing
Primary Dialect Isukha
Dialect Code 20845   Global Recordings Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Luidakho-Luisukha-Lutirichi
Photo Source Anonymous 
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.