ORAL TESTIMONIES AMONG THE ABASUBA; A HISTORY OF THE SUBA REPORT

CARRIED OUT IN HOMABAY COUNTY , OSIRI BEACH.

NAME. JAEL BARASA

REG NO. ED/ART/0479/21

UNIT NAME : FOLKORE AND ORAL POETRY

UNIT CODE:LITT 321

INSTRUCTOR : PROFESSOR RUTERE MUGAMBI

PHONE NO: 0710977247

APRIL 11, 2024

DESCRIPTION

Report submitted in partial fulfillment of the award for degree in Bachelors of

Education Arts in English and Literature of Laikipia university.
DEDICATION

This report is dedicated to my parents, the Osiri Abasuba community , my

lecturer Prof. Rutere and my course mates English and Literature class, 3 rd
years 2024 for being there and helping in support whenever we needed
them and not forgetting our bus drivers for taking us to and from Nyadhiwa
safely.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to appreciate my fellow colleagues who challenged me to tackle

this task and more so the Laikipia university fraternity for the massive
support.My sincere gratitude to my professor Prof Mugambi Rutere for his
timely monition which helped to strategize this project and made it
successful.
ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to investigate the Abasuba culture in its own
habitat and focuses on the oral testimonies of the Abasuba community
around Osiri beach on the shores of L. Victoria. The target population was
people of Osiri beach and it’s environs.The oral testimonies of the Abasuba
people of Kenya are a vital repository of historical, cultural, and social
knowledge. These testimonies, passed down through generations,
encompass a wide range of information, including survival skills, cultural
practices, and historical narratives. Elders within the community play a
significant role in preserving and transmitting this knowledge through
storytelling, poetry, and proverbs.

Efforts to safeguard these oral traditions are crucial for maintaining the
cultural identity and heritage of the Abasuba people. Documentation of these
testimonies ensures that valuable knowledge is preserved for future
generations.
Background to the study

Abasuba is an ethnic community that lives at the shores of Lake Victoria in

Kenya. The population is estimated at 220,000. Their most populous area is
Suba District, which is comprised of Rusinga, Mfangano, Lambwe and other
smaller islands in the eastern part of Lake Victoria. They speak a Bantu
language called Suba or Olusuba.

The study of the Abasuba oral testimonies is an investigation of an original

culture that is on the verge of disappearance. Abasuba culture has been
heavily influenced by the Luo, anotherr ethnic group that lives around them.
The Luo have been and still are the politically and economically dominant
ethnic group in Suba District. This was not always the case. Before the Luo
migration into their area, the Abasuba were the dominant group in western
Kenya. They were displaced by the Luo and forced into a region that is now
underwater due to the damming of the Nzoia River and construction of the
Nzoia Sugar Factory. This displacement led to a severance of cultural
transmission between generations. Many Abasuba are not even aware of
their pre-Luo history. Oral testimonies provide a link to this history and
insight into how it has impacted Abasuba culture. This makes them a prime
focus for ethnographic research.

The history of the Abasuba people explains their current situation, in which
they are a marginalized group, living in both Kenya and Uganda. The
Abasuba are part of a larger, homogeneous group known as the Bantu. They
originally lived in Bunyoro, which now lies in Uganda. Because of a
succession war in Bunyoro, the Abasuba moved to several areas around Lake
Victoria, and their final migration was to their current location in Kenya in the
1920s and 30s.

The migration was the result of British colonization. The British introduced a
cash crop economy and because there were no markets in Suba land, which
is isolated by the waters of Lake Victoria, they moved the Abaluyia people
into the area to form a labor force on European farms. The Abaluyia were
hostile to the Abasuba and there are oral testimonies of the fighting that
took place between the two groups. This fighting helped the Abaluyia to push
the Abasuba further west and south, to their current location in Kenya. This
migration has caused the Abasuba to regard themselves as refugees in
Kenya. From this history, it is clear that the Abasuba have struggled as a
minority group in their country. Today, they lack education and many live as
fishermen, isolated from other Kenyan societies.

As we can see, the Abasuba people have suffered displacement and cultural
disintegration, beginning from the time of their interaction with neighboring,
hostile ethnic groups. Wohns explains that the first steps in recovering
identity are to break silence, to tell the story to oneself and to one’s children,
and to bear witness to the story in a public way. This is a reference to oral
testimony.

From this, it is clear that the Abasuba must tell their story, in order to try and
claim an identity in Kenya and recover culture that has been lost. Oral
testimonies would be a step in the right direction for the Abasuba people
who have a culture rich in history and many traditions
Statement of the problem

The study of oral testimonies among the Abasuba presents a compelling

research endeavor, yet it is faced with challenges that warrant thorough
investigation. The Abasuba, a Bantu-speaking group settled around the East
African Lake region, have historically relied on storytelling, poetry, and
proverbs to pass down essential skills for survival, cultural practices, and
historical narratives. However, with the impact of colonialism and
modernization, there has been a decline in the use of oral traditions, leading
to a risk of cultural loss.

Efforts to document and safeguard these oral testimonies have gained

significance as communities realize the importance of preserving their
heritage for future generations

The absence of a comprehensive written record, coupled with the inevitable

erosion of oral traditions in the face of modernization, poses a critical
dilemma. The overarching problem revolves around the need to explore,
document, and preserve the rich oral heritage of the Abasuba, considering
the dynamic socio-cultural shifts and potential loss of invaluable narratives.
This research seeks to address the following key issues:

Erosion of Oral Traditions: The rapid pace of modernization and external

influences raises concerns about the gradual loss or distortion of the
Abasuba’s oral testimonies. This erosion jeopardizes the transmission of
crucial historical, cultural, and social knowledge embedded in their
narratives.

Historical Gaps and Ambiguities: The scarcity of written records pertaining to

the Abasuba’s history necessitates a reliance on oral testimonies. However,
the potential for historical gaps, inaccuracies, or ambiguities within these
narratives poses a challenge to constructing a cohesive and accurate
account of their past.

Language Shift and Preservation: As the Abasuba language evolves and

faces potential displacement by dominant languages, there is a risk of losing
linguistic nuances and cultural expressions embedded in oral testimonies.
This research aims to understand the impact of language dynamics on the
preservation of cultural heritage.

Contemporary Influences on Narratives: The influence of contemporary

societal changes, such as globalization and urbanization, may alter the
themes and messages conveyed in oral testimonies. Investigating how these
narratives adapt to modern contexts is crucial for understanding the
resilience and adaptability of Abasuba cultural heritage.

Community Perceptions and Engagement: Examining how the Abasuba

community perceives the value of their oral testimonies and understanding
the level of community engagement in preserving these traditions are
essential aspects. Identifying potential challenges or barriers to community-
driven initiatives is crucial for sustainable heritage conservation.

By addressing these challenges, this research endeavors to contribute to the

broader discourse on the preservation of oral traditions, emphasizing the
importance of safeguarding the unique cultural heritage of the Abasuba for
future generations.

Purpose of the study

The purpose of study of oral testimonies among the abasuba was to try and
understand the stories of the abasuba people. Each and every community
has its own oral testimonies that tap or reveal their way of life. Studying oral
testimonies among the Abasuba serves multiple purposes, including
preserving cultural heritage, understanding historical narratives, and gaining
insights into traditional practices, beliefs, and social structures. Additionally,
oral testimonies provide a valuable source for researchers to explore the
Abasuba community’s perspectives and experiences, fostering a deeper
understanding of their identity and contributing to a more comprehensive
historical record. The oral testimonies among the abasuba revolve around
their history and the lake of how it came to exist
Hypothesis

This research posits that the in-depth examination of oral testimonies among
the Abasuba will uncover a multifaceted narrative tapestry, serving as a vital
repository of cultural, historical, and social dimensions. It is hypothesized
that these oral narratives, transmitted across generations, not only
encapsulate the rich cultural heritage of the Abasuba but also provide
nuanced insights into the evolution of their traditions, the interpretation of
historical events, and the intricate dynamics of their social structures.

Cultural Heritage Preservation:

The oral testimonies will serve as a primary means of preserving and

transmitting the unique cultural practices, beliefs, and linguistic nuances of
the Abasuba community.

Historical Narratives Unraveling:

By delving into oral narratives, historical events within the Abasuba

community will be unveiled, providing an alternative perspective and
potentially challenging existing historical accounts.

Evolution of Traditional Practices:

Analysis of oral testimonies will reveal the evolution of traditional practices,
rituals, and customs, showcasing how these cultural elements have adapted
and persisted over time.

Social Structures and Community Dynamics:

The narratives will offer insights into the social structures, roles, and
relationships within the Abasuba community, elucidating the impact of oral
traditions on community cohesion and dynamics.

Expected Outcomes:

The outcomes of this study are anticipated to contribute significantly to the

broader understanding of African oral traditions, specifically within the
context of the Abasuba. By validating or challenging existing perceptions, the
research aims to offer a comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of the
Abasuba cultural identity, providing valuable insights for scholars, historians,
and cultural anthropology .

Significance of the study

Given that each and every community has got its own oral testimonies
passed from one generation to another, this research delvs into the oral
testimonies of the abasuba people. Each and every African community has
got its own oral testimonies and mostly they are told by the oldest people in
the community to the younger ones.

The essence of this study was to analyze and see the importance of oral
testimonies of the abasuba people and how they preserve the cultures and
historical heritage of the community. From the study , the following was
justified as reasons why the study of oral testimonies was important among
the abasuba

Cultural Preservation:
It serves as a crucial mechanism for preserving and transmitting the unique
cultural heritage of the Abasuba, capturing traditions, folklore, and linguistic
nuances that might otherwise be lost over time.

Historical Understanding:

Provides a valuable source for understanding historical events from the

perspective of the Abasuba, contributing alternative narratives and enriching
the broader historical understanding of the region.

Insights into Traditional Practices:

Offers insights into traditional practices, rituals, and customs, facilitating a

deeper understanding of the cultural fabric that shapes the Abasuba
community.

Social Dynamics and Community Cohesion:

Illuminates the social structures, roles, and relationships within the Abasuba
community, contributing to the understanding of community dynamics and
cohesion.

Cross-Cultural Appreciation:

Fosters cross-cultural appreciation by providing a window into the unique

expressions of the Abasuba
Limitations of the study

Just like each and every other research, there are limitations. On the study of
oral testimonies among the abasuba, some limitations were
encountered .They include

Language barrier; there existed a language barrier between the people

giving out the stories and us. We could not understand each other cause
some times they switched to their local language and some words could not
be translated from Abasuba to English or Kiswahili.

The elders were too elderly and so they could not give out all the stories
cause they got tired too easily by sitting down for a long time.
LITERATURE REVIEW

The Abasuba are almost becoming one of the extinct or marginalized

community in Kenya . The intermarriage between the Abasuba and the Luo is
making the suba community fade out.

The Abasuba, a Bantu-speaking group in Kenya, have a rich oral tradition

that holds their history and cultural heritage. Originating from various
regions, including Uganda and Tanzania, the Abasuba settled around the East
African Lake region. Despite facing assimilation by larger neighboring
communities, they have preserved aspects of their traditions through
storytelling, poetry, and proverbs. Efforts have been made to document and
record these oral traditions to ensure their continuity and protection. A study
conducted between October 2007 and January 2008 focused on researching
and recording the oral traditions of minority groups in Kenya, including the
Suba or Abasuba. This study aimed to safeguard endangered oral traditions
like storytelling, poetry narrations, and proverbs for the preservation of
indigenous knowledge.

The Abasuba's oral traditions are crucial for passing down knowledge about
survival skills, cultural practices, and history. Elders play a significant role as
the keepers of knowledge within the community, passing down wisdom
through oral traditions. Despite the impact of colonialism leading to
increased literacy, efforts are being made to preserve oral traditions
alongside a written tradition to protect cultural heritage for future
generations

The Abasuba's history is complex, with migration myths tracing their origins
from Uganda to Kenya. The name “Suba” is derived from the word “zuwa,”
meaning “foreigner” in Luganda dialect. The Abasuba settled in various
locations in Kenya, maintaining their cultural practices despite assimilation
by larger neighboring communities. This rich history highlights the
importance of documenting and preserving oral testimonies among the
Abasuba for cultural continuity and heritage conservation.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

HISTORICAL RECONSTRUCTION THEORY

Introduction

Historical reconstruction theory is an approach within historical research

that aims to reconstruct and interpret the past by piecing together available
evidence, often in the absence of complete or direct historical records. This
method involves analyzing various sources, such as written documents, oral
histories, artifacts, and other forms of evidence, to create a coherent and
plausible narrative of historical events. The goal is to bridge gaps in the
historical record, understand the context of past occurrences, and provide a
clear interpretation of historical developments. Historical reconstruction
theory acknowledges the dynamic nature of history and the need to sift
through multiple perspectives to construct a comprehensive understanding
of the past

Merits of historical reconstruction theory

Contextual Understanding: It emphasizes contextual analysis, allowing

historians to interpret events within their specific historical, cultural, and
social contexts. This provides a more nuanced understanding of the past.

Coherent Narrative: Helps create a cohesive and logically structured

historical account by organizing fragmented pieces of evidence.
Contextual Understanding: Enhances comprehension of historical contexts,
enabling a deeper analysis of events within their social, political, and cultural
frameworks.

Critical Thinking: Encourages critical thinking skills as historians evaluate and

interpret diverse sources, fostering a nuanced and well-informed
perspective.

Comprehensive Analysis: Allows for a more comprehensive examination of

historical developments by integrating various sources and perspectives.

Interdisciplinary Approach: Facilitates collaboration between different

disciplines, such as archaeology, anthropology, and linguistics, to reconstruct
a more holistic view of the past.

Identification of Patterns: Helps identify patterns, trends, and causal

relationships within historical data, contributing to a more nuanced
understanding of historical processes.

Improved Interpretation: Enables historians to bridge gaps in the historical

record, filling in missing details and providing a more accurate interpretation
of past events.

Historiographical Contribution: Contributes to the ongoing discourse in

historiography by refining and evolving our understanding of the past
through critical analysis and synthesis.

Demerits of using historical reconstruction theory

1 . Subjectivity: Interpretations of historical evidence can be subjective,

influenced by the historian’s biases, perspectives, or cultural background,
leading to potential distortions in the reconstructed narrative.
 2.Incomplete Data: Incomplete or missing historical records may hinder
accurate reconstruction, leaving gaps that could result in speculative or
incomplete narratives.

3. Limited Authenticity: Depending on available sources, the reconstructed

history may lack the authenticity of firsthand accounts, relying on indirect or
secondary evidence that might be prone to distortion.

4. Assumption Risks: The theory may rely on assumptions about the past,
and if these assumptions are incorrect, they can propagate inaccuracies
throughout the reconstructed history.

METHODOLOGY

Different methods were used in the study of oral testimonies among the
abasuba

Live stories: three older members of the community told us stories of how
the lake came to exist.

Participant observation: a group from the community gave out stories as we

observed
Interviews As we were getting data from the live stories told to us by the
local community, we also conducted interviews where we had a series of
questions previously

Written down by our group members and we used them to gain data . We
also went around the village and got some additional data from the
community

FINDINGS ABOUT ORAL TESTIMONIES AMONG THE ABASUBA

Through thorough analyzation, oral testimonies among the abasuba are a

greater way of preserving history of the community . Oral testimonies among
the abasuba have a greater significance of understanding history, cultural
and social activities and their way of life

The oral testimonies bring about sense of belonging and also help the people
of suba community connect with themselves and identify themselves.

The oral testimonies help the listeners do what is right cause they learn from
their forefathers.

Through the storytelling, it was deduced that L. Victoria was first called
Namlolwe
The great grandfather of the Suba was a hunter .

He once hunted a bird , took it home , a pregnant woman came to see it, the
bird made a wound on the lady’s pregnancy.

The man ran away and came to Osiri and married and gave birth to four kids
: Saka , Kirari , Mukusa and Mathoke who passed away.

Also through storytelling, we found out that one day a man went hunting and
he caught a lady . The lady told him to take her home. When she got there,
she found it empty . She told the man to build a gala . Went to sleep at night
and it rained heavily. In the morning there was a full herd.
ANALYSIS OF FINDINGS ORAL TESTIMONIES AMONG THE ABASUBA

Oral testimonies among the abasuba are a crucial thing cause they offer
insight on different aspects of the culture and the history of the community.
Through thorough analyzation, I have found out the following about the role
of oral testimonies among the abasuba

Cultural Significance: Oral testimonies often carry cultural nuances,

traditions, and values, offering insights into the social fabric of the Abasuba
community.

Historical Narratives: Oral accounts contribute to the reconstruction of

historical events, shedding light on the Abasuba’s past, including migrations,
conflicts, and interactions with neighboring communities.

Identity and Belonging: Oral testimonies play a crucial role in shaping the
collective identity of the Abasuba, fostering a sense of belonging and
continuity with their

Through the lens of historical reconstruction theory, it can be analyzed that

although events happened long time ago, they can still be traced back
through oral testimonies and this takes us very back to the beginning of their
existence.
Recommendations for oral testimonies among the abasuba

Based on the findings regarding oral testimonies among the Abasuba,

several recommendations can be made to enhance the preservation and
protection of their oral traditions:

1. Documentation and Recording: Efforts should be made to document

and record the oral traditions of the Abasuba, including storytelling,
poetry narrations, and proverbs. This documentation is crucial for
safeguarding endangered oral traditions and preserving indigenous
knowledge for future generations.
 2. Integration of Oral and Written Traditions: Recognizing the importance
of having a written tradition alongside oral traditions, communities
should work towards creating a meaningful written record that
complements their oral heritage. This integration can help in
preserving cultural practices and historical narratives effectively.

3. Research and Study: Continued research and study on the oral

traditions of minority groups like the Abasuba are essential. Pilot
studies, similar to those conducted on the Suba, Yaaku, and Segeju
communities, can provide valuable insights into the cultural heritage
and practices of these groups.

4. Cultural Preservation Efforts: Concerted efforts should be made to

protect endangered oral traditions like storytelling among the Abasuba.
These efforts not only aid in preserving cultural heritage but also
contribute to safeguarding indigenous knowledge embedded in these
oral testimonies.

5. Community Involvement: Engaging the community, especially elders

who are the keepers of knowledge, is vital in ensuring the continuity of
oral traditions among the Abasuba. Their active participation in passing
down knowledge through storytelling and other oral means is crucial
for cultural preservation.

6. Education and Awareness: Promoting awareness about the significance

of oral testimonies among the Abasuba within their community and
beyond is essential. Education programs can help instill pride in
cultural heritage and encourage active participation in preserving oral
traditions.

By implementing these recommendations, efforts can be enhanced to

protect, preserve, and pass down the oral testimonies of the Suba people.
References

1.Safeguarding Endangered Oral Traditions In East Africa

2.Case Study of the Suba Community on Rusinga Island

3.A history of the Luo Abasuba of Western Kenya from 1760-1940

Conclusion.
Oral testimonials from the Abasuba people reveal a rich tapestry of historical
narratives and cultural legacy that is in danger of being destroyed. The
Abasuba people may protect their distinct Identity and ancestry information
for future generations by preserving their oral traditions. The study highlights
how crucial it is to capture these oral histories on film in order to preserve
them and encourage cultural continuity. In addition to underlining the critical
need for coordinated efforts to preserve and advance endangered oral
traditions like storytelling, poetry, and proverbs within the Abasuba
community, it highlights the critical role that elders play as the keepers of
this priceless knowledge. The Abasuba can guarantee the preservation of
their cultural past by appreciating the value of oral testimonies.
Appendix.

Attached here are pictures and images obtained from the research area.