Culture Change and Continuity: the Case of Abaidakho Initiation Rites of Passage, 1918 - 2010

Abstract

This study examined the history of the Abaidakho initiation rites of passage from 1918 to 2010. The year 1918 is a historical year that marked the end of World War I, which had far-reaching repercussions in Africa. After the war, the victors consolidated their authority on colonial territories which had a big influence on African way of life. Also, returning ex-soldiers introduced enormous social changes that not only affected traditional way of life, but also caused tension with traditional culture by introducing new forces of European way of life into African communities. The African Porters who took part in the war for instance returned and they encouraged adoption of new practices and attitudes. In the year 2010, Kenya adopted a new constitution. Utilizing the human agency perspective, the project focused on the change and continuity of the Abaidakho initiation rites of passage. The study focused on the indigenous initiation rites of passage of the Abaidakho people, the changes experienced with time and aspects of initiation rites that have remained persistent. The study delved into issues such as, which initiation rites of passage of the Abaidakho people have changed? Do we have some aspects that have remained consistent in the practice of the rites? What impact has the changes in the initiation rites of passage had on the Abaidakho people? In addressing these questions, the study utilized the continuity theory, which holds that, the elder adults will always make contemporary decision or act based on their previous experiences and in connection with their current environment. This implies that the Abaidakho initiation rites of passage have been hybridized in an effort to link the past and the future in order to keep a consistence practice. The study established that the Abaidakho people and their cultural practice of initiation rites of passage encountered contact with colonial administrators, missionaries, and European settlers who rushed to Kakamega after the discovery of gold in 1933. In the post-independence period, Catholic missionaries at Mukumu and the Friends from Kaimosi continued to influence the Abaidakho people. Other groups that continued to interact with the Abaidakho were government workers, traders who moved in the area and had effect and influence on the cultural practice of initiation rites of passage of the Abaidakho. The study utilized both primary and secondary sources: primary data helped to seal the missing gaps and provided a comprehensive understanding of the hybridized initiation rites of passage of the Abaidakho. The outbreaks of diseases like HIV/AIDS impacted the cultural practices of the Abaidakho initiation rites of passage. This was a leading force in the change of attitude towards the practice among the Abaidakho.