Meru

The Meru live in eastern Kenya, mainly on the northeastern slopes of Mount Kenya.

They are part of the Bantu group and they are closely related to the Akamba, Embu, and Kikuyu.

Language

The Meru language is divided into seven dialects. These include Tigania, Igemebe, Miutuni, Igoji, Mwimbi, Muthambi, and Imenti 

Meru was the only tribe in Kenya which had a democratic system before colonial rule; that is, leaders were a group of elected elders.

Culture

Circumcision is very important for the Meru people. Male circumcision is still practiced by the Meru. It is not until circumcision that one becomes an adult. After circumcision one is allowed to marry, make his own decisions, and acquire both wealth and property.  

Meru culture is characterized by forming roles in society that are divided both by gender and age group. Men take up the leadership role in a home while women do all of the domestic and farm work. Elders are responsible for decision-making. The Meru live in extended families.

Religion

Their main religion is Christianity and they also practice traditional beliefs. Their god is called Arega Kuthera.

Economy

Agriculture is their main source of income and the climatic conditions around Mount Kenya, makes growing of crops favorable. The main food crops include corn, beans, potatoes, millet and the main cash crops include tea, cotton, coffee and others.

History

Amongst the Kenyan tribes, the Meru were the most influenced by colonialism. Since the colonial masters were interested in the natural resources of an area, they had a strong desire to influence the Meru people. It was also due to this history that the Meru have a lot of education institutions and employment opportunities.

Though this page has been carefully researched, the author does not claim expertise on the Meru.

Please send questions, comments, and corrections to emuseum@mnsu.edu and include the URL.

Sources

Finke Jens &; BLUEGECKO.org.

    Meru- History. Electronic Document,

        http://www.bluegecko.org/kenya/tribes/meru/history.htm accessed October, 2009

Jenkins, B. Orville & Fowlkes Danes

    People Profile, The Meru of Kenya. Electronic Document,

        http://strategyleader.org/profiles/meru.html accessed October, 2009

Kenya-Advisor. com

    The Independent Kenya Travel Guide, The Meru Tribe. Electronic Document,

        http://www.kenya-advisor.com/meru-tribe.html accessed October, 2009.

Kenya Information Guide

    Meru Tribe, History of Meru people. Electronic Document,

        http://www.kenya-information-guide.com/meru-tribe.html accessed October, 2009.

Soft Kenya

    Kenya People: Meru Tribe, Facts About The Meru Tribe. Electronic Document,

        http://www.softkenya.com/kenya-tribes-people-culture/meru-tribe-kenya.htm accessed October, 2009.

Welcome Meru.

      Meru. Electronic Document, http://merupeople.com/ accessed October, 2009

Written by Esther Nalubwama, 2009