Chonyi people

The Chonyi, also referred to as Achonyi, are one of the smaller tribes of the Mijikenda on the coast of Kenya. Their populations can be found in the villages of Lutsangani, Chidutani, Dzitsoni, Bundacho, Ziani,Karimboni, Chigojoni, Dindiri, Junju, Katikirieni, Mwarakaya and Mbuyuni. They are also found in recent settlements areas of Kilifi District like Chumani, Roka, Maweni, Vipingo, Takaungu and Mtwapa. Where "kiti" means chair in Swahili, "Kihi" is Giriama and "Chihi" is Chonyi. Similar, but recognizably different languages. Like the other Mijikenda tribes, the Chonyi live in settlements known as "Kaya." The original "Kaya Chonyi" is located on a forested hill top. In the center of the Kaya were shrines where the elders or "atumia" would pray to god or "Mulungu".

Origin

According to a Chonyi myth, the Achonyi originated in Singwaya (or Shungwaya), which was to the north of the Somali coast. They were driven south by the Oromo until they reached their present locations along the ridge, where they built their kayas within a protective setting. The historical accuracy of this myth is a point of controversy between those who believe that the Mijikenda originated from a single point in the north and those who believe that they do not have a single origin, but migrated primarily from the south.

Naming

The naming of the chonyi people is symbolic, for example, MBEYU is a name of a girl mbeyu meaning seeds for planting. KARISA means a boy who is a herder most probably born when her mother was in the field grazing. NYAVULA is a girl name meaning a rainy season, born during times of rains. MOKOLI is a boy name meaning a person who is helpful.

References

External links

• everyculture.com – Mijikenda