History of Meru people

History of Meru people

Meru tribe or Merus are a Bantu ethnic group who reside on the rich agricultural north eastern slopes of Mount Kenya in the Eastern province of Kenya. The name Meru refers to both the people and the location. Merus are primarily agrarian, with a few domestic animals. Meru is divided into seven sections, namely: Tigania, Igemebe, Imenti, Miutuni, Igoji, Mwimbi and Muthambi. The Chuka and Tharaka are now considered part of Meru but have different oral histories and mythology.

The Meru have somewhat detailed, confusing and intriguing history and mythology of any tribe in Kenya. Their history recounts that the Meru were once enslaved by the "red People". They eventually escaped and in their exodus came across a large body of water called Mbwaa, which they crossed by magical means. They later followed a route that took them to the hills of Marsabit, eventually reaching the Indian Ocean coast. They stayed there for some time, however, due to poor climatic conditions and threats from the Arabs, they traveled farther south through the Tana River basin and finally reached the Mount Kenya area.
Culture & Lifestyle

The Meru tribe are a fairly homogeneous tribe composed of nine sub-tribes each speaking its own dialect of the Kimeru language. Common among their languages is the Imenti dialect. The differences in the dialects reflect the varied Bantu origins and influences from Cushites and Nilotes, as well as different Bantu neighbors of Kikuyu and Kamba.

Meru are agriculturalists who have been well favored by the good climatic conditions of their land. The majority of Meru people are subsistence farmers who live on small family farms where they raise food and cash crops. The fertile land produces a large variety of food crops, the staples being corn, beans, potatoes, and millet. Coffee is the popularly grown cash crop together with tea and cotton. The Amerus are also best known for farming miraa, a stimulant plant.

Male circumcision is still one of the most significant rituals in meru culture. This rite of passage turns a young man into an adult giving him rights to marry, acquire wealth, property and make independent decisions. Just like other bantus, a bride price, in form of cows, goats and sheep is paid by the groom's family to the brides family before marriage. A man is considered the head of the household and has defined roles and duties. Women tend to the farms and raise the children.

Traditionally, merus had a strong clan(family) system that controlled the basic operations of the families who belonged to the clan. Although the clan system has almost vanished, the extended family is very powerful and has a major influence on the lives of family members. They are tasked with making important life decisions on behalf of every family member, such as during marriage ceremonies.

Meru have a strong educational foundation provided by Christian mission schools and are among the most influential ethnic groups in Kenya. The main education institutions were started by the Catholic, Methodist and Presbyterian churches who settled in the district in the early years.
Traditionally, merus had a strong clan(family) system that controlled the basic operations of the families who belonged to the clan. Although the clan system has almost vanished, the extended family is very powerful and has a major influence on the lives of family members. They are tasked with making important life decisions on behalf of every family member, such as during marriage ceremonies.

Meru have a strong educational foundation provided by Christian mission schools and are among the most influential ethnic groups in Kenya. The main education institutions were started by the Catholic, Methodist and Presbyterian churches who settled in the district in the early years.