Kipindoek–Ngusero Clan

Kalewenaik (proverbs) form an important part of Kalenjin oral tradition. They convey wisdom, guide behavior, and preserve cultural identity across generations.

Ngo samis murian kobo kot ne bo

Meaning: A rat stinks but it has its own home.

Even if a person is bad in the eyes of the society he has a home where he finds love and comfort from members of his family.

Mabarei kuinet ab teta moitanyi

Meaning: A cow's horn does not kill its calf.

This proverb emphasizes the bond between a mother and her child. It can be used in various situations. For example, it may be used to comment on apparently harsh punishment of one person by another with whom he shares a bond. However harsh the punishment may appear, the bond between them is enough to show that this punishment cannot but have been meant to be corrective rather than destructive.

O chi kaitang'ung

Meaning: One's house is great.

This proverb refers to the importance of the home in providing comfort and solace for every individual, regardless of their situation in the outside world.

Tupcho werit ak kwanda kounoto chepto ak kam

Meaning: Son and father are like brothers, just like daughter and mother are like sisters.

This proverb emphasizes the intimacy expected of members of the same family unit, and of members of one sex within that same unit.

Kurkeet kirusin ak ichut

Meaning: The door that hits you but you still enter through it.

This proverb refers to the unavoidable relationship between an individual and his kinsfolk. Even if we quarrel or fight with our kin, the bond between us will always make us relate to each other and not entertain a complete rupture of relations.

Ingen tarit konyin

Meaning: A bird knows its house.

This proverb emphasizes the importance of homes just like the ones above.

Additional Proverbs

Aechin iwot ak kemei – Flood and drought seasons have cancelling effects.
Ame chi tugul kitab kuiyandanyin – A person must enjoy the fruit of his sweat and toil.
Ameiiku kiptoben kuto – Be always quick to exploit any available opportunity to avoid future regrets.
Aechin kibananoi ak kipkunyuk – All professions are of equal importance in society.
Chepkisas ko tatun kechome – The despised one will be liked later.
Kiseten tai ak katam – Try all means to ensure that you achieve what you want.
Amat korobon ole imi – Be vigilant and work hard so that your position is not threatened.
Mabenen bei tororot – Suffering is not everlasting, therefore one should never despair.
Kibegune nyakan ter – Correct situations early to ensure success.
Nyokor konda – Never make anything difficult before trying.
Bitos suswek en olekokiyengyi aran – People in a place where good things are shared always benefit.
Chu kibo chepitoch amolin, amoli – Do not be a jack of all trades and master of none.
Kerge kapkoulyo ak kakimori – Selfish people are not better than generous people.
Kibire mat koloo – Solve your problems when there is still time.
Kibendi ban chepkokoch – It is good to be slow and sure in approach to life.
Kibendi mutyo mochei kel – Humility is a good virtue in life.
Kerge tich en akwot – Good things have the same value everywhere.
Kiamei ngui kotagai kengetji olemi bany – Advice to work hard and be patient until success is achieved.
Kigongen met batalamtagat – A thousand miles starts with a single step.
Kigeito cheim boa ran kotatun koyam boriet ak oret – A wise man develops small resources to benefit others.
Maechin ainosiek – People's resources are never equal.
Mabenyege bondet ak muren – The most effective remedy is specific to the problem.

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