Mukogodo, Yaaku in Kenya

People Name:	Mukogodo, Yaaku
Country:	Kenya
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	4,600
World Population:	4,600
Primary Language:	Yaaku
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	6.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.70 %
Scripture:	Translation Started
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	No
People Cluster:	Khoisan
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Mukogodo were the earliest speakers of an Afroasiatic Cushitic language to immigrate into Kenya. Their original fathers were from Ethiopia. Today they represent the Yaaku speakers who are called Mukogodo. The name "Yaaku" speaking is given to them by southern nilotes, which means, "hunting people." They inhabit the area northwest of Mount Kenya Doldol.

They are herders as well as farmers, but herding is the more common occupation. They also practice bee keeping. Other farming or herding communities assimilated many of them. For instance, the Maasai. Therefore, some have exchanged their language and culture for that of the Maasai. Now they are considered as a sub-tribe of Maasai and speak the Maa language. Warriorship and age-set grouping is akin to that of the Maasais. Life is organized around cattle herding and raiding activities. Religion is characterized by traditional monotheism, just like the Maasai traditional religion. Their god is appeased through animal sacrifices.

In addition, they also practice animism. Since the Mokogodo do not have an Oloibni (priest/prophet/soothsayer), they seek assistance from the Maasai Oloiboni. An Anglican church has been planted among them, but their openness to Christianity and religious change is still uncertain.