THE UNIVERSITY OF LEIPZIG

Table 6.6 Why persons are named after different animal species.
Value response Frequency Percentage
Don’t Know 2 0,91
Sign of good Luck 25 11,42
Prosperity 81 36,99
History of events 37 16,89
Ancestral History 47 21,46
Sign of good Health 2 0,91
Tragedy in community 6 2,74
Sign of inspiration 15 6,85
Source of Protection 5 1,83
Total 220 100
Source: Field Survey data.
In the above table only 0.91% mentioned that they did not know the true relationship between
their names and the different biological species, be it plants or animals. However, 11.42%
agreed that their names depicted that such animals were associated with good Luck. 36.99%
informed that their names are associated with an animal that is associated with prosperity.
Others who numbered 16.89% answered that their names were associated with historical
events in the community. 21.46% had their names related to animals of good health. Other
responses (0.91%) included names that reflected animals that are associated with tragedy in
the community, especially at the time of birth. This tragedy is further announced by the
presence of such animals. Lastly, other respondents who numbered (6,85%) informed the
study that, other animals were a source of inspiration. In regard to this, almost all Luhya sub-
Tribes with the exception of the Ishuha, Kabras and Tachoni follow this institutional
arrangement regarding the people–animal relationship religiously, a finding which shows a
linked relationship between local biodiversity perceptions and the local institutions. This
finding to a great extent may explain the framing of local biodiversity perceptions in the areas
around Kakamega forest.
In the study we also found out that when named after respective animal species, such people
developed a special attachment to such animals and as a result became protective of such
animal species. This bond between the animal species and the populace among the Luhya
community, in a way works to keep the animal species protected. The research also learnt that
this institutional relationship bars them from eating such animals. However, on the other
hand, animal which are thought to have no institutional relations such as Kobs, impalas or
squirrels are always hunted down, a fact that has kept their populations low.
The Luhya also believe that there is a strong connection between the animals and their
creator. They believe that if you kill any of the animals then you are bound to meet your death
too. This death may come in a form of an incurable disease or stricken by lightening. This
institution is very respected and followed among the Luhya, especially among the Marama,
Batsotso, Maragori, Bakusus Batura, Marachi and the Tiriki sub-tribes. The institutions
regarding the relationship between the Luhya people and the animal species postulates one
135