Munyoyaya in Kenya

Introduction / History

The Munyoyaya are a small, closely-knit people group, living in the Tana River district, north of the Coast Province. Although they believe that they are known to all peoples, they remain unknown to many Kenyans. They claim to have come from Ethiopia, migrating southwards to settle in their present home. They are a Cushitic people, speaking the same language as the Ormas.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Unlike most Cushitic people though, they practice subsistence farming on the flood plains of the Tana River, growing primarily corn and bananas. They occasionally fish and keep livestock.

What Are Their Beliefs?

These people hold very strong traditional beliefs and customs, yet also claim to be Muslims. Their employment to Arabs along with their interaction with their Somali neighbors brought the change from wholly traditional beliefs to the adoption of Islam. The fact that many do not understand Islam makes them turn to their previous practices to find solutions to life problems.

What Are Their Needs?

The inaccessibility of this people group could be a reason why they had no Christian contact. Some ministries among them began in 1991 (Sheepfold Ministries), but we know of no Christ followers among them.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Munyoyaya people to have the spiritual hunger it takes to seek Christ and stand with him no matter what the cost.
Pray for loving and dedicated African Christians to take the savior to the Munyoyaya community.
Pray for Munyoyaya disciples to make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project