The Daraja Times: The Ameru

The Ameru are from the Bantu ethnic group. Their language is Kimeru, but in different forms. They reside in Mount Kenya’s agriculturally rich northeastern slopes. They are from Kenya’s Eastern Province. The word “Meru” stands for both the people and the location. They have many sub-tribes: Tigania, Igoji,Tharaka, Igembe, Mwimbi, Imenti, Muthambi, Miutuni, and Chuka. Their economic activities are domestic animal-keeping and farming. They plant coffee, tea, maize, and beans. They are ruled by a council of elders called Njuri Ncheke. This council solves social problems and punish law-breakers.

Historically, they were once enslaved by the ‘red people.’ They eventually escaped and in their exodus they came across a large water body called Mbwaa, which they crossed by magical means. They later followed routes that took them to the hills of Marsabit, eventually, reaching the coast of Indian Ocean. They stayed here but due to poor climate conditions, they moved to Mt. Kenya where they reside up to today.

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