Inside Gusii ‘Ugali feast’ that quietly confirms a marriage is working In the Gusii community, a post-wedding ritual known as Ekerota mang’ana or the “ugali feast” takes place about three days to a week after a marriage ceremony. It is traditionally meant to affirm that the newlyweds have consummated their union and are living happily together. The bride’s family prepares special finger millet ugali and freshly slaughtered goat meat, carefully packed in a traditional woven basket called an ekee. This food is then taken to the groom’s family along with soft drinks, delivered by the bride’s sisters or cousins. They…
Author: Stanley Ongwae
Swahili country music star Samson Maombi [Courtesy] Kenyan Swahili country music star Samson Maombi nearly missed his debut at the Tromsø Country Festival in Norway following a string of last-minute travel setbacks. Maombi, who was scheduled to fly out on July 9, was initially denied a visa, with the consulate informing him that he did not qualify. However, following an appeal, he was summoned on the same day to submit his passport for urgent processing. Thanks to intervention from the Norwegian Embassy, the visa was approved late that Friday evening. Relieved but not yet in the clear, Maombi faced another…