IS NYAMUMBOISM RELIGION AMONG THE ABAGUSII OF SOUTH NYANZA, WESTERN KENYA FROM EAST OR WEST?

Abstract

Nyamumboism is a religion which started among the Abagusii tribe. It was established by the Europeans through Zablon Magoma of Nyandiba region in Sensi Location. He became a resource person to the Europeans as an interpreter and a translator of English language to Kisii language. “Nyamumbo” is a Kisii word meaning God the creator, omniscience and omnipresent. Whiteman supplied medical and educational materials to interpreter, as to help people in villages and spread ideologies of Nyamumboism religion. In medical supplies, gave penicillin and aspirin which was administered to villagers for each and every illiments and people were healed by faith. In the educational sector, through the interpreter, established a nursery school at Mekonge village and later on started a church at Sigona junction of Marani and Masakwe routes. The intention of the Whiteman who spread the new phenomenon (Nyamumboism) was not known and nobody can stand and explain accurately whether they were either missionary, tourists, explorers, or researchers because conclusively they came with a religion that embraced local traditions as it done in the eastern countries mingled with western Christian ideologies. The objective of the study why Nyamumboism could not be properly rooted and survive the test of the time, like Rachel Maria which was established and exists only in Kenya but still goes strong. The research will be analytical study of the facts available from the resource persons where Nyamumboism was spread Gusiiland. The findings are significant to religious believers, that people can be healed by faith not by the type of drug administered, for instance the two medicines which would heal all types diseases. It is concluded by faith people can be cured through the drugs administered and defector doctors in villages. It is recommended through the research, concrete facts should be recorded for future research work and reference.