| dc.description.abstract | This study traces the development of Islam in Kendu-Bay from the beginning of
the 20th century to 1992. The study argues that the establishment of the colonial
administration and the building of the railway led to the growth of pockets of Muslim
population in various areas in the interior of Kenya, and finally made it possible for
Muslim traders to reach Kendu-Bay thus leading to the introduction of Islam in the region
Conversion to Islam was not something orchestrated, it did not occur as a result of
active proselytization on the part of Muslims, but as a result of close contact between
Muslims and the Luo The first Luo of Kendu-Bay to be converted to Islam were
employed by Muslims. Later on other factors, for instance, marriage and the general
Muslim way of life attracted people to Islam
The establishment of an indigenous Luo Muslim community in Kendu-Bay leel to
major social changes. Indeed, some of these changes were like an invention of a tradition
which is practiced up to date. This social change led Luo Muslims to look upon
themselves with a sense of separateness, and so, to identify themselves more with Islam
than with the clan into which they were born.
In this study, it is argued that missionary education led to the growth of the Luo
Muslim Association, one of whose main aims was to build their own schools where their
children would be given a western form of education without risk of conversion to
Christianity. It is this Association that was later to give way to the Kendu Young Muslim
Welfare Association, which, more than any other group, has been instrumental in
consolidating Islam, not only in Kendu-Bay, but also in other areas of Karachuonyo
(Rachuonyo District) | en |
