SYLVIA KADZO'S BLOGPOST: THE GIRIAMA

The Giriama (Agiryama) people are Bantus living along the coastal areas of Kenya. They have migrated from Shingwaya in the north eastern sides of Kenyan coast bordering the Oromo.

They largely live along the Kenya coast, mostly found in the Kilifi and Malindi district. They are found also sparsely in Mombasa and Kwale Districts of the coast province.

The Giriamas were largely farmers, hunters and gatherers. They currently farm, though in really small scale. The crops they plant include perennials like coconuts and cashew nuts which act as main cash crops. They also plant Maize, Millet and peas. The Giriamas are largely social, leaving in extended families though recently the trend seems to be dropped. They live in Makuti thatched houses mostly which are mud walled, but recently iron sheets and brick structures have started to be common. Some take advanced of the close proximity to the Indian ocean by fishing though is small scale. those that do this practice it purely for subsistence.

The Giriamas were originally traditionalist, believing in idols, called the Koma. They used to sacrifice at the Koma,nearly on weekly basis. Sacrifices included Alcohol (the traditional Manazi) which is palm wine. They believe that the koma were actually the representatives of the living dead, they would therefor name the komas with names of all the elders that have gone before them. The koma was a curves piece of wood, and the eldest of them that have already gone before them was represented with a bigger piece of wood called the Kigango. When trouble befalls a family, they would sometime go to sacrifice by the koma side, sometimes porridge and blood would be used. The Giriama however are now largely migrating from these believes and majorly have become Christians, with some few becoming muslims. There are a few however that still practice the tradition religion. They also believed in witchcraft.

The Giriama's need largely Education and Evangelism. The preaching previously of the gospel was not of accepting the Lord Jesus the Christ but was rather on going to church which resulted in many going to church whilst still practicing their religion and traditional beliefs.