Koito ("To give away") is a
Kalenjin
Kalenjin may refer to:
* Kalenjin people of Kenya
** Elgeyo people (Keiyo people)
** Kipsigis people
** Marakwet people
** Nandi people
** Pokot people
** Terik people
** Tugen people
** Sebei people
* Kalenjin language
Kalenjin may refer t ...
wedding
ritual
A ritual is a repeated, structured sequence of actions or behaviors that alters the internal or external state of an individual, group, or environment, regardless of conscious understanding, emotional context, or symbolic meaning. Traditionally ...
which involves the negotiation of a brides dowry.
Practice
There are variations in practice between the various sub-tribes, with the
Kipsigis for example having a smaller celebration where only one's immediate family and
oreet
The Oreet (pl. Ortinuek or Ortinweek) is a kinship group among the Kalenjin people of Kenya that is similar in concept to a clan. The members of an oreet were not necessarily related by blood as evidenced by the adoption of members of the Uasin Gi ...
members are invited while the
Nandi
Nandi may refer to:
People
* Nandy (surname), Indian surname
* Nandi (mother of Shaka) (1760–1827), daughter of Bhebe of the Langeni tribe
* Onandi Lowe (born 1974), Jamaican footballer nicknamed Nandi
* Nandi Bushell (born 2010), South Afr ...
on the other hand have large celebrations where the whole village is invited.
For all however the key elements are similar; that is the negotiation of the dowry payment which is done by a few select members/negotiators from both families in the privacy of a room separate from the other guests.
Mursik is drunk at the end of negotiations by those present to symbolize agreement and is seen as being crucial to the process.
After the negotiations, a celebration is held where the bridegroom and bride are given advice on family life by older relatives from both families. Usually symbolic gifts and presents are given to the couple during this ceremony.
The koito is often quite colorful and sometimes bears resemblance to a wedding ceremony and it is indeed gaining prominence as the key event since the kaayaaet'ap koito is sometimes merged with it and at other times the tunisiet is foregone in favor of it.
References
{{Reflist
Kalenjin
Wedding traditions