The Meru or Amîîrú (including the
Ngaa) are a
Bantu ethnic group that inhabit the
Meru region of
Kenya
Kenya, officially the Republic of Kenya, is a country located in East Africa. With an estimated population of more than 52.4 million as of mid-2024, Kenya is the 27th-most-populous country in the world and the 7th most populous in Africa. ...
. The region is situated on the fertile lands of the north and eastern slopes of
Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya (Meru people, Meru: ''Kĩrĩmaara,'' Kikuyu people, Kikuyu: ''Kĩrĩnyaga'', Kamba language, Kamba: ''Ki nyaa'', Embu language, Embu: ''Kĩ nyaga'') is an extinct volcano in Kenya and the Highest mountain peaks of Africa, second-highe ...
in the former
Eastern Province.
The word Meru means 'shining light' in the
Meru language
Meru is a Bantu language spoken by the Meru people (''Ameru'') who live on the Eastern and Northern slopes of Mount Kenya and on the Nyambene ranges. They settled in this area after centuries of migration from the north.
The Meru people are a ...
. In
Kiswahili
Swahili, also known as as it is referred to in the Swahili language, is a Bantu language originally spoken by the Swahili people, who are found primarily in Tanzania, Kenya, and Mozambique (along the East African coast and adjacent littoral i ...
, the Meru are called ''Ng'aa'', a word meaning 'Dazzling or Shining' in both languages Ameru in the Meru language means 'the shining ones' or 'the children of the shining one'. The word ''Miiru'' was also used to refer to the nearby forests of Mount Kenya, thus the name ''Amiiru'', meaning 'people of the forest'. The Ameru people comprise nine subgroups: the Igoji, Imenti, Tigania, Mitine, Igembe, Mwimbi, Muthambi, Chuka and Tharaka. The Tharaka live in the semi-arid part of Greater Meru and they, along with the Mwimbi, Muthambi and Chuka, form the
Tharaka-Nithi County
Tharaka-Nithi County is one of the 47 counties of Kenya. It was created from Kenya's Eastern Province (Kenya), Eastern Province. The county has an area of 2609 km2 and as of the 2019 census a population of 393,177. It is home to the Meru p ...
. The Ameru are unrelated to the
Wameru of northern
Tanzania
Tanzania, officially the United Republic of Tanzania, is a country in East Africa within the African Great Lakes region. It is bordered by Uganda to the northwest; Kenya to the northeast; the Indian Ocean to the east; Mozambique and Malawi to t ...
.
Languages
The Meru speak the Meru language, also known as Kimîîrú.
Kimîîrú,
Kikamba,
Kiembu,
Kimbeere and
Kikuyu
Kikuyu or Gikuyu (Gĩkũyũ) mostly refers to an ethnic group in Kenya or its associated language.
It may also refer to:
*Kikuyu people, a majority ethnic group in Kenya
* Kikuyu language, the language of Kikuyu people
*Kikuyu, Kenya, a town in Cen ...
share critical language characteristics. The Meru language is not uniform across the Meru lands, but comprises several mutually intelligible dialects which vary geographically. Each dialect is a reflection of previous migratory patterns, the level of intra-community interactions, and the influences of other adjacent Bantu,
Nilotic
The Nilotic peoples are peoples Indigenous people of Africa, indigenous to South Sudan and the Nile Valley who speak Nilotic languages. They inhabit South Sudan and the Gambela Region of Ethiopia, while also being a large minority in Kenya, Uga ...
and
Cushitic
The Cushitic languages are a branch of the Afroasiatic language family. They are spoken primarily in the Horn of Africa, with minorities speaking Cushitic languages to the north in Egypt and Sudan, and to the south in Kenya and Tanzania. As of 2 ...
communities. As a whole language scholars have demonstrated that the Meru language exhibits much older Bantu characteristics in grammar and phonetic forms than neighbouring Bantu languages.
History
The Meru people are of Bantu origin.
[Joseph Bindloss, Tom Parkinson, Matt Fletcher, ''Lonely Planet Kenya'', (Lonely Planet: 2003), p.35.] Like the closely related
Kikuyu
Kikuyu or Gikuyu (Gĩkũyũ) mostly refers to an ethnic group in Kenya or its associated language.
It may also refer to:
*Kikuyu people, a majority ethnic group in Kenya
* Kikuyu language, the language of Kikuyu people
*Kikuyu, Kenya, a town in Cen ...
,
Embu
Embu may refer to:
Places
; in Brazil
* Embu das Artes
* Embu-Guaçu
; in Kenya
* Embu, Kenya
* Embu County
Other
*Embu people of Kenya
*Embu language, the Bantu language spoken by them
{{Disamb, geo ...
and
Mbeere, they are concentrated in the vicinity of
Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya (Meru people, Meru: ''Kĩrĩmaara,'' Kikuyu people, Kikuyu: ''Kĩrĩnyaga'', Kamba language, Kamba: ''Ki nyaa'', Embu language, Embu: ''Kĩ nyaga'') is an extinct volcano in Kenya and the Highest mountain peaks of Africa, second-highe ...
. The exact place that the ancestors of the Meru migrated from after the initial
Bantu expansion
Bantu may refer to:
* Bantu languages, constitute the largest sub-branch of the Niger–Congo languages
* Bantu peoples, over 400 peoples of Africa speaking a Bantu language
* Bantu knots, a type of African hairstyle
* Black Association for Natio ...
is uncertain. Some authorities suggest that they arrived in their present Mount Kenya homeland from earlier settlements to the north and east,
while others argue that the Meru, along with their closely related Eastern Bantu neighbors moved into what is now Kenya from points further south.
The name "Meru" refers to both the people and the region, which for many years was the only administrative unit. In 1992, "Greater" Meru District was divided into three administrative units: Meru Central,
Meru North, and Tharaka-Nithi (Tharaka and Meru South). After the promulgation of a new constitution in Kenya on 27 August 2010, Greater Meru was further re-defined and now consists of the twin counties of
Tharaka-Nithi and
Meru. The Greater Meru covered approximately , stretching from the Thuci River, on the border with
Embu County
Embu County is a Counties of Kenya, county in the Mt Kenya region in Kenya. As of 2024 its estimated population is 608,599. The county borders Kirinyaga County, Kirinyaga to the west, Kitui County, Kitui to the east, Tharaka Nithi County, Tharak ...
, in the south to the border with
Isiolo County
Isiolo County is a county in the former Eastern Province of Kenya. Its population was 268,002 according to 2019 census. The capital and largest town in the county is Isiolo. Isiolo County is set to be the first county to be developed as part ...
in the north.
Council of elders
The Ameru have been governed by elected and hierarchical councils of elders since the
17th century
The 17th century lasted from January 1, 1601 (represented by the Roman numerals MDCI), to December 31, 1700 (MDCC).
It falls into the early modern period of Europe and in that continent (whose impact on the world was increasing) was characterized ...
. These extend from the clan level up to the supreme
Njuri Ncheke council. Membership of the Njuri Ncheke is the highest social rank to which a Meru man can aspire. The elders forming the Njuri Ncheke are carefully selected and comprise mature, composed, respected and incorruptible members of the community. This is necessary as their work requires great wisdom, personal discipline, and knowledge of the traditions. The Njuri Ncheke is also the apex of the traditional Meru judicial system and their edicts apply to the entire community.
The functions of the Njuri Ncheke are to make and execute community laws, to hear and settle disputes, and to pass on community knowledge and norms across generations in their role as the custodians of traditional culture. Local disputes will invariably first be dealt with by lower ranks of the elders (Kiama), then the middle rank (Njuri) and finally the Njuri Ncheke. However, the Njuri Ncheke does not handle matters involving non-Meru people, or those that are expressly designated as being under Kenya's common law. The determination of cases by the Njuri Ncheke, just like is for common law, relies a lot on case law and precedence.
A lesser known, yet important function of the Njuri Ncheke, is overseeing and enforcing the rules and regulations controlling the use and conservation of open grasslands, salt-licks and forests. Their work as conservators extends to the preservation of the Sacred Sites.
The Njuri Ncheke is influential in socio-economic and political decision-making amongst the Meru. The council spearheaded the establishment of the Meru College of Science and Technology and donated 641 acres of community land in 1983 for its development. In 2008, the college was upgraded to a University College of
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. In early 2013, the college was awarded a charter by President
Mwai Kibaki
Emilio Stanley Mwai Kibaki (15 November 1931 – 21 April 2022) was a Kenyan politician who served as the third President of Kenya from December 2002 until April 2013.
He served in various leadership positions in Kenya's government including ...
and renamed to
Meru University of Science and Technology. The Njuri Ncheke is represented in the University Council.
Culture and family traditions
The Meru are primarily agrarian, and their home life and culture is similar to other Highland Bantus. The Meru have maintained adherence to a fairly strict customary code amongst the various cohorts of the population. For instance,
circumcision
Circumcision is a procedure that removes the foreskin from the human penis. In the most common form of the operation, the foreskin is extended with forceps, then a circumcision device may be placed, after which the foreskin is excised. T ...
is a mandatory rite of passage for boys, during which time cultural education including community norms and expectations, such as respect for elders and protection of children are taught in a seclusion period that may last up to a month. As a matter of principle, young men must ensure minimal contact with their mothers after initiation. Nowadays, the depth of instruction varies depending on the extent of urban influence. Previously, girls would also undergo
circumcision
Circumcision is a procedure that removes the foreskin from the human penis. In the most common form of the operation, the foreskin is extended with forceps, then a circumcision device may be placed, after which the foreskin is excised. T ...
, but the practice was outlawed by the Njuri Ncheke in April 1956. The practice has been progressively abandoned and is being replaced by instruction based alternative rites of passage.
Cuisine
Typical Meru cuisine includes (traditional vegetables), (mashed banana with traditional vegetables or potatoes), or (unfettered corn seeds cooked with beans or peas and traditional vegetables), (roasted meat), or (fermented porridge made from flour of corn, millet or sorghum), and (a mixture of honey meat and vegetables).
Education
The Meru have a strong modern educational heritage provided by
Christian mission
A Christian mission is an organized effort to carry on evangelism, in the name of the Christian faith. Missions involve sending individuals and groups across boundaries, most commonly geographical boundaries. Sometimes individuals are sent and a ...
aries. The main education institutions were started or sponsored by the Catholic, Methodist and Presbyterian churches. Greater Meru has numerous institutions of learning, including primary schools, secondary schools, teachers' training colleges, nursing schools, technical institutes and universities. One of the most prestigious chartered private universities in Kenya,
Kenya Methodist University was the first to be established in the area in 2006. Three chartered public universities,
Chuka University
Chuka University is a public university in Kenya.
Location
The main university campus is located in the town of Chuka, in Tharaka-Nithi County, along the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya. This location is along the Nairobi-Meru, Kenya, Meru Hi ...
and
Tharaka University
Tharaka University (TUN) is a public university in Kenya.
Location
The main campus of the university is located adjacent to the town of Gatunga, in Tharaka South Sub-county, in Tharaka Nithi County, on the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya in C ...
in Tharaka-Nithi County and
Meru University of Science and Technology in Meru County, have been established. Other institutions of higher learning, including the
University of Nairobi
The University of Nairobi (uonbi or UoN; ) is a college, collegiate research university based in Nairobi and is the largest List of universities and colleges in Kenya, university in Kenya. Although its history as an educational institution dat ...
,
Egerton University
Egerton University is a public university in Kenya. It is the oldest institution of higher education in Kenya.
Location
The main campus of the university is located in Njoro, a small community approximately , southwest of the town of Nakuru. T ...
,
Kenyatta University
Kenyatta University (KU) is a public university with its main campus in Nairobi, Kenya. It acquired the status of university in 1985, being the third university after University of Nairobi (1970) and Moi University (1984). As of October 2014, it ...
, Co-operative University College, Nazarene University and
Mount Kenya University have established satellite campuses in the area, making Greater Meru a key education hub in Kenya
Economy
The Meru are primarily agrarian, growing a variety of crops and keeping livestock. Greater Meru is endowed with soils and climatic conditions that allow for the production of a variety of commodities including wheat, barley, potatoes, millet, sorghum and maize. High grade tea, coffee, bananas and miraa (
khat
Khat (''Catha edulis''), also known as Bushman's tea, especially in South Africa, is a flowering plant native to eastern and southeastern Africa. It has a history of cultivation originating in the Harar area (present day eastern Ethiopia) and ...
) are the key cash crops. The Meru were the first Africans to grow coffee in Kenya, which they began in the early 1930s upon the implementation of the
Devonshire White Paper of 1923. Other crops include groundnuts and a wide range of legumes, vegetables and fruits. The Meru also keep livestock, both for
subsistence
A subsistence economy is an economy directed to basic subsistence (the provision of food, clothing and shelter) rather than to the market.
Definition
"Subsistence" is understood as supporting oneself and family at a minimum level. Basic subsiste ...
and commercial purposes. These include dairy and beef cattle, goats, sheep, poultry and honey bees. The Meru lands have huge potential for tourism by virtue of hosting the
Meru and
Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya (Meru people, Meru: ''Kĩrĩmaara,'' Kikuyu people, Kikuyu: ''Kĩrĩnyaga'', Kamba language, Kamba: ''Ki nyaa'', Embu language, Embu: ''Kĩ nyaga'') is an extinct volcano in Kenya and the Highest mountain peaks of Africa, second-highe ...
national parks and the Lewa Conservancy. Mining activity is also expected to pick up once the ongoing exploratory works on the iron-ore deposits in Tharaka are completed.
Politics and alliances
The Meru wield a lot of political influence in Kenya, due to their astute and strategic political organization. The current Deputy President of Kenya, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, is a Meru. Still, members of the community have always held some key and strategic positions in the government. In the early years of Kenya's independence, the Meru were in the
Gikuyu, Embu, and Meru Association, a political mobilization outfit formed during the reign of
Jomo Kenyatta
Jomo Kenyatta (22 August 1978) was a Kenyan anti-colonial activist and politician who governed Kenya as its Prime Minister from 1963 to 1964 and then as its first President from 1964 to his death in 1978. He played a significant role in the ...
. GEMA was formally banned in 1980, but since the advent of plural politics in Kenya in 1992, the Meru have largely voted with the Kikuyu and Embu in subsequent presidential elections.
In non-presidential elections, most constituencies in the Greater Meru vote for candidates based more on individual merit than on the basis of the sponsoring political party. This particularly manifested itself in the
general elections of 2013, where the
Orange Democratic Movement
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is a centre-left political party in Kenya. It is the successor of a grassroots people's movement that was formed during the 2005 Kenyan constitutional referendum campaign. This movement separated in Augus ...
captured two seats,
Igembe Central and
Tigania East, in Meru County despite the predominance of the
Jubilee Party
The Jubilee Party of Kenya is a major political party in Kenya. It has significantly influenced the country's political landscape since its founding on 8 September 2016. Emerging from a merger of 11 smaller parties, including The National Alli ...
in the larger region. The elections also saw the historic election of
Rahim Dawood, a politician of Asian origin, to represent Imenti North Constituency and
Kinoti Gatobu, a 26-year-old independent candidate, to represent
Buuri Constituency.
Meru Museum
The historical and cultural artifacts of the Meru are preserved at the
Meru Museum,
Meru Museum
/ref> formerly the colonial office located in Meru Town. The Njuri Ncheke Shrine at Nchiru is also gazetted as a heritage site and placed under the care of the National Museums of Kenya. The Shrine is accessible and open to the public most time of the year unless there are Njuri Ncheke activities at the site. Members of the Njuri Ncheke, though bound by a strict oath of secrecy, can also provide valuable and authoritative information and insights into the Meru traditions and culture dating back to the yore and transmitted through generations.
Notable Meru
Politicians
* Kinoti Gatobu, MP
* Gitobu Imanyara, MP, journalist, civil rights advocate
* Mutea Iringo, ex Principal Secretary, Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government
* Captain (Rtd) Eustace Mbuba Ntwiga, Former MP Nithi Constituency
* Anne Kananu, former governor of Nairobi City County
* Kithure Kindiki
Abraham Kithure Kindiki (born 17 July 1972) is a Kenyan politician, lawyer and a former law professor who is the 3rd and current deputy President of Kenya since 1 November 2024. He previously served as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Natio ...
, Deputy President
A vice president or vice-president, also director in British English, is an officer in government or business who is below the president (chief executive officer) in rank. It can also refer to executive vice presidents, signifying that the vi ...
of Kenya
Kenya, officially the Republic of Kenya, is a country located in East Africa. With an estimated population of more than 52.4 million as of mid-2024, Kenya is the 27th-most-populous country in the world and the 7th most populous in Africa. ...
* Martha Koome
Martha Karambu Koome (born 3 June 1960) is a Kenyan advocate who is currently serving as the chief justice of Kenya and is the first woman to occupy the post.
Early life and education
Koome was born on 3 June 1960 in Kithiu village, Meru Dist ...
, Chief Justice of Kenya
* Bernard Mate
Bernard Mate (1922 – 6 January 1994) was a Kenyan politician and one of the first group of Africans to be elected to the Legislative Council of Kenya (LegCo), the legislative arm of government in the British Colony of Kenya, representing ...
, former Legco Representative for Central Province - Kenya
* Peter Munya, former Cabinet Secretary, former governor of Meru.
* Kiraitu Murungi, former governor of Meru County and MP
* Francis Muthaura, former Head of civil service Kenya
* David Mwiraria, former Finance Minister
* Kilemi Mwiria, educationalist and former Education assistant minister.
* Muthomi Njuki, governor of Tharaka Nithi County
Military
* Fatumah Ahmed, Major General and Commander of the Kenya Air Force
The Kenya Air Force (KAF) or is the national aerial warfare service branch of the Republic of Kenya.
The main airbase operating fighters is Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki, while Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, Nairobi is the headquarters. Other ba ...
* Musa Mwariama
Musa Mwariama (1928–1993) was a Kenyan revolutionary leader of the Mau Mau in Meru and the highest-ranking Mau Mau leader who survived the war without being captured. Together with Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi, they comprised the core Mau Mau ...
, leader of the Mau Mau
Academia and research
* Jacob Kaimenyi, Cabinet Secretary for Lands - Kenya
* Margaret Kobia, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service - Kenya
* Leah Marangu, Vice Chancellor, African Nazarene University
Judiciary and law
* Martha Karambu Koome, Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya
*Aaron Ringera
Aaron Gitonga Ringera (born 20 June 1950) is a Kenyan lawyer who served as a judge and as the former director of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC). He was born in Githongo, Meru, Kenya, Meru.
Education and early career
Ringera has ...
, former Director Kenya Anti Corruption Commission (KACC)
Business and corporate
* Edward H. Ntalami, businessperson
Religion
* Samuel Kobia, former General Secretary, World Council of Churches (WCC)
* Silas Silvius Njiru, former Roman Catholic Bishop of Meru Diocese
Arts and entertainment
* Pierra Makena, DJ, actress
* Nick Mutuma, actor, radio presenter
* Aaron Rimbui, pianist, keyboardist, bandleader, producer, festival curator and radio host.
Notes
* Fadiman, Jeffrey A. (1993
When We Began, There Were Witchmen: An Oral History from Mount Kenya
Berkeley: University of California Press.
* Mauta, Thuranira. (2010). Retracing The Footsteps of Ameru and Their sub-tribal differences. Nkubitu Publishing Co. Mwenemeru Kinyua
External links
{{DEFAULTSORT:Meru people