The Embu people are one of the Bantu ethnic groups. Situated in the Mount Kenya region on the windward side of the mountain. They are closely related to the tribes of Mbeere, Meru and Kikuyu who also reside in the Mt. Kenya region.
Folklore has it that the Embu people originally settled at the coastal area of Kenya. Before they migrated to Central Kenya to settle at the slopes of the famous Mt. Kenya. They speak the Embu language as their mother tongue.
The Embu people have a diverse cultural heritage. Just like many African societies, the Embu people believed in ancestral spirits. They always sort their protection and guidance. Also believed in the presence of spirits in forests, rivers and the mountain.
They were organized into villages, family units and clans with each clan having its own identity. The fact that they / tribe continues to be small, they have been able to keep their customs and traditional practices intact. They shun disrespect and hold elders in high regard. With the utmost respect by seeking guidance and advise from the elders’ council.
Considering the fact that the Embu occupy the most fertile lands on the slopes of Mt. Kenya, they were traditional agriculturalist growing crops like millet, yams, arrowroots, beans, maize, bananas, cassava among others alongside domestic livestock keeping. Most people in Embu still rely so much on Agriculture as the Embu district rarely experiences famine and drought.
They were fierce warriors who stood fearless and firm when it came to protecting the communities’ people and their village territories. Despite the changes brought about by the modern times, the Embu people have held on to their customs and traditions with efforts in place to make sure that their language and practices are passed on to the future generations.
