Mbatiany 1824-1889:A bibliographical study of a nineteenth century Maasai Oloiboni

Abstract

The extant literature about the traditional institutions of the maasai seems to have overlooked the role of religion in the traditional societies. As a result of this, two theories have emerged concerning the role the maasai traditional Society; one is that the institution of the oloibonik was a new phenomenon, and the other is that this institution did not constitute a political office. There is however, evidence to show that like in any other traditional society, religion formed an integral part of the Maasai Society. remains to be established is whether or not. the' separation of powers among the traditional institutions was in existence. Is it possible", for example to draw a line between politics mid religion in Maasai traditional society