The development of Islam in Kendu-Bay from 1912 to 1992

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)