A Clan in the Kalenjin community is a kinship group based on actual or purported descent from a common ancestor, as traced through the male (patriclan) or the female (matriclan) line. Kalenjin Clans are normally exogenous, marriage within the clan being regarded as incest. Clans may segment into sub clans or lineages, and genealogical records and myths may be altered to incorporate new members who lack kinship ties with the clan. Clan membership may be useful in ensuring mutual support and defense as well as in the mediation of disputes over property rights and the mode of residence after marriage. Most Kalenjin clans express their unity by means of a common emblem or Kinship group based on actual or purported descent from a common ancestor, as traced through the male (patriclan) or the female (matriclan) line. Clans are normally exogenous, marriage within the clan being regarded as incest. Clan membership may be useful in ensuring mutual support and defense as well as in the mediation of disputes over property rights and the mode of residence after marriage. Some clans express their unity by means of a common emblem or deity
A Deity is divine character or nature, esp. that of the Supreme Being; divinity that is revered by the clansmen eg a lion, elephant,lightning and in my case my clan is Kabarsingil: The deity is a Hyena.
There are eight kalenjin sub tribes;Nandi,Kipsigis,Tugen,Keiyo,Marakwet,Terik,Sabaotand Pokoot. Every one of these tribes consists of several unique Clans that are almost related to one another or completely unrelated.
Tags: Kalenjin Clans Kalenjin Kalenjins Kalenjin People Kalenjin Tribes
