KabilaEthnic groupsLuhyaMarachi
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Sub-tribe
Marachi
Omumarachi
LuhyaPatrilineal lineageLumarachi22 clans documented
Language
Lumarachi
Lineage system
Patrilineal
Population
65,633
Type
Sub-tribe
Origin story & oral tradition
The Marachi (Abamarachi) settled near the Nzoia River in present-day Busia County. Oral traditions suggest that the Marachi may have incorporated elements from Kalenjin-speaking groups before fully adopting Luhya identity and the Bantu Luhya language. They are neighbours of the Samia and Khayo, with whom they share close ties. The Marachi are farmers who also engage in fishing along the Nzoia River.
How they identify
Person (singular)Omumarachi
People (plural)Abamarachi
HomelandEbumarachi
Language / dialectLumarachi

A member introduces themselves: “Ndi Omumarachi — from the land of Ebumarachi.

Clans (22)
Sources
  • Were, Gideon. A History of the Abaluyia of Western Kenya (1967)
Parent ethnic group
Luhya
AbaLuyia
At a glance
NameMarachi
EndonymOmumarachi
Ethnic groupLuhya
TypeSub-tribe
LanguageLumarachi
LineagePatrilineal
Population65,633
Sub-groups0 documented
Clans22 documented
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