The Digo are a Mijikenda community, who traditionally lived between Mombasa and the Kenyan Tanzanian border. They speak the Chidigo language. The Mijikenda are a Coastal Bantu community inhabiting the region from the Tanzania border to the Sabaki and Umba rivers. ‘Mijikenda’ means nine villages: Giriama, Digo, Duruma, Rabai, Kambe, Chonyi, Jibana, Kauma, and Ribe. Each community speaks its own dialect.
Dating back centuries, the stories and traditions of the peoples of Kenya are some of the most fascinating in the world. They have enriched the country through social, economic, political, and cultural activities, each with their own unique stories. Today, 44 communities are officially recognized by the government and are classified into three linguistic groups: the Bantu, the Nilotic, and the Cushitic speakers.
Origins and Historical Journey
The Mijikenda originated from Shungwaya, a region in southern Somalia around the 17th century, and settled along the coastal hinterlands in fortified villages called ‘kaya’. Today, 11 ‘makaya’ are inscribed into the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Digo were the first to confront the Oromo invasion in Southern Somalia, fleeing down the coast until they reached Shimba Hills, southwest of Mombasa County, where they built Kaya Kwale. Some later built Kaya Kinondo along the coast north of Gazi.
Cultural Heritage and Beliefs
The Digo historically believed in God (Mulungu) and ancestral spirits, to whom they regularly offered sacrifices and prayed for help. Digo witch doctors were consulted on health and spiritual matters. Today, the majority of the Digo are Muslims. Originally involved in sea trade with the Arabs, the Digo are now settled as farmers, fishermen, and traders. Traditionally, each clan had its own piece of land outside the kaya. Men mainly cleared the bush while some women hoed the fields. The Digo trace their descent matrilineally and progress from childhood to elderhood through a series of grades.
Socio-Economic Practices
Originally involved in sea trade with the Arabs, the Digo are now settled as farmers, fishermen, and traders. Traditionally, each clan had its own piece of land outside the kaya. Men cleared the bush while women hoed the fields. The Digo trace their descent matrilineally, progressing from childhood to elderhood through a series of grades.
Age-Grade System
Between the ages of eight and twelve, boys were circumcised and initiated into the age-grade system called the rika. The rika was a group of circumcised males, ranging in age from about eight to fifty-two and over. Traditionally, members of a senior age-set underwent an induction ceremony, where they were instructed on how to conduct rituals and customs. They then became a council of elders known as ‘kambi’, and selected one of their wise and well-respected members to be their chairman. He was assisted by the members of the council, and they would deliberate on matters brought before them, such as cases of land disputes or witchcraft, and also mete out punishments such as fines, banishment, and death. The council also officiated ceremonies.
Contemporary Influence and Preservation
Many cultural practices of the Digo are still embraced today but have been influenced by societal changes. The heritage and culture of the Digo community, along with the more than 44 communities in Kenya, continues to fascinate and inspire.
Source: Google Arts & Culture
