Dini ya Wakuria 

Primarily hailing from Migori County, the Abakuria are a Bantu community split into clans called ibiaro. Though differentiated by slightly different laws and practices, some of their cultural aspects stem from the same religious belief in an all-powerful God. This belief exists in a network of recognised taboos, ancestral spirits, superstitions and the works of rainmakers and medicine men. 

The Sun God 

The God believed in by the Abakuria goes by a myriad of names. Rioba, Nokwe, Gekoni, Getemi, Mosacha–Obairo, Keng’ori or Nyamohanga all refer to this God represented by the sun. He is believed to be benevolent so he never puts people in harm’s way. He is also said to have power over destiny and be the mastermind behind the creation of all things. With such power, he is to be revered. It is his role to bless in matters of fertility among people and animals as well as in the coming of rain to keep crops and animals thriving. From him comes good health and success.  

Two ancestral spirits serve as his deputies. Small requests and sacrifices are received through these emissaries. Due to the proximity of their ancestors to God, the Abakuria hold ancestral spirits in high esteem. The Abakuria also take great care with their words and practices lest they violate the norms of their community. This is in fact a basic matter of law. The rationale is that violation of these taboos and superstitions is an event that affects all Abakuria. When these guidelines are broken, adversity would follow the offender and their kin.  

Supernatural Beings  

In these religious practices, the Abakuria look to high priests. The high priests are the most important humans in the religious structure. They are present in every region and have a host of priests working underneath them. When sacrifices are made, the priests accept them and advise worshippers. To honour and appease the ancestors, priests serve a drink offering for them after every meal. This act also has a physical purpose of relieving the thirst and hunger of the spirits.  

Alongside spirits, the Abakuria also believe in ghosts and sprites. Ghosts are generally those who have died in fighting and return to haunt their killers or their descendants. Sprites, on the other hand, are the dead who are not individually remembered and remain anonymous. They are said to attack the living in natural features such as groves and springs.  

Are you familiar with Abakuria supernatural beings? Have you heard stories about sprites or ghosts? Tell us all about it in the comments!