KabilaEthnic groupsLuhyaTsotso
← Back to Luhya
Sub-tribe
Tsotso
Omutsotso
LuhyaPatrilineal lineageOlutsotso4 clans documented
Language
Olutsotso
Lineage system
Patrilineal
Population
92,687
Type
Sub-tribe
Origin story & oral tradition
The Tsotso (Batsotso) are one of the smaller Luhya sub-tribes, settled in the Lurambi area of Kakamega County. Their founding ancestor Mutsotso is said to have led a small group that separated from a larger Luhya migration wave and settled between the Idakho and Wanga territories. Despite their small numbers, the Tsotso maintain distinct clan identities and have contributed significantly to Kakamega town's cultural life.
How they identify
Person (singular)Omutsotso
People (plural)Abatsotso
HomelandEbutsotso
Language / dialectOlutsotso

A member introduces themselves: “Ndi Omutsotso — from the land of Ebutsotso.

Clans (4)
Sources
  • Were, Gideon. A History of the Abaluyia of Western Kenya (1967)
Parent ethnic group
Luhya
AbaLuyia
At a glance
NameTsotso
EndonymOmutsotso
Ethnic groupLuhya
TypeSub-tribe
LanguageOlutsotso
LineagePatrilineal
Population92,687
Sub-groups0 documented
Clans4 documented
Know more?
Missing a clan, origin story, or language detail? Help us build the record for the Tsotso.
Contribute data →