The Practice of Obuntu among the Abaluyia of Western Kenya

This study describes the practice of Obuntu-acommunitarian worldview of the unity of allexistence among the Abaluyia of Western Kenya.Obuntu regulates all relationships between theperson and the community including all elements ofthe universe, visible and invisible. The studydemonstrates how Obuntu holistically shapes thesocio-political, religious, cultural, and economicmilieus of the traditional Abaluyia community.Utilizing colonial and post-colonial discourse as atheoretical base, the study analyzes the ways inwhich regional and global external forces impact,and are impacted by Obuntu. The study concludes thatwhereas the concept of Obuntu among the Abaluyia hasbeen substantially modified by Western influences,it also has impacted on the West and other culturesin ways that support community and unity (Obulala)around the world. In view of the many problemsconfronting modern Abaluyia society in particularand the global community in general, Obuntu can be asource of community healing, community building, andthe recovery of identity-both for the community andfor each person as a member.