Rectify Colonial Misconceptions: Classification of Maasai People
- Maison Ole Nkurrunah
- Apr 30
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Written By Maison Ole Nkurrunah
A major misconception and inaccuracy in Kenyan history books is the categorization of the Maasai People. They have been split into two groups: the Purko and Kwavi, with the former described as pure pastoralists and the latter as agricultural farmers. This is a significant error!
Purko is merely one of the numerous semi-autonomous territorial sections of the Maasai, and the group known as 'kwavi' does not exist. The term, initially used by Johann Krapf in his earliest writings and later by Elliot in his introduction to Hollis' work on the Maasai, has been perpetuated and reiterated by post-colonial historians such as Prof. Were, and remains widely used today.
The name might originate from two Maa words: either 'Iloopi,' meaning the brave ones, or 'Inkuapi,' meaning from far-off lands. This could explain why other Kenyan ethnic groups that interacted with the Maasai have a name similar to this for the Maasai. The Agikuyu refer to us as 'Okabi/wakabi,' the Kamba as 'Akapi,' the Taita as 'Akobi,' and the Chagga as 'Mkowi,' among others.
The Maasai share a single language, Maa, along with the same socio-political structure and a similar five-clan system (which may have different names across various sections) that spans all sections in Kenya and Tanzania.
These unique semi-autonomous territorial divisions include Isampurr, located in Samburu County with extensions into Isiolo and Marsabit, the Iltiamus/Ilchamus of Baringo, and the Ilaikipiak of Laikipia.
In Nakuru, Kajiado, and Narok, we have the Ilkaputiei, Ilpurko, Iloitai, Ilkeekonyokie, Ildamat, Isiria, Ilwuasin-kishu, Ilmoitainik, Ilkisonko, Ilmatapato, Ildalallekutuk (Ilkankere), and Iloodokilani.
Certain sections, such as the Ilkisonko and Iloitai, extend across the Kenya-Tanzania border to merge with the Ilaitayiok, Isalei, Ilarusa, and Ilparakuyo communities in Northern Tanzania.
Additionally, there are sections that were either destroyed or merged with other sections following the tribal wars of the early 1880s. These include groups such as the Ilaikipiak, Iloogolala, and Ilosekelai.
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About the Author
Maison Ole Nkurrunah is a Maasai writer, poet, and historian specializing in Maa culture, hailing from Narok, Kenya. He dedicates his efforts and time to initiatives such as Olosho Le Maa Culture, Sayings, History & Life, Mwamko, the Maasai Cultural Resource Center, and the Endangered Languages Project. His goal is to uphold his cultural heritage, preserve the Maa language, and accurately share the history of his people, aiming to rectify the misconceptions propagated by colonial narratives.
Maasai Perspectives is a segment dedicated to highlighting opinions, poetry, and research articles from the Maasai communities in Tanzania and Kenya.
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