The Tachoni are Kalenjins who were assimilated by the Luhya people of Western Kenya, sharing the land with the Bukusu tribe. They live mainly in Webuye, Chetambe Hills, Ndivisi and the former Lugari District in Kakamega County. Most Tachoni clans living in Bungoma speak the Lubukusu' dialect of the Luhya language, and they are subsequently often mistaken as Bukusus. They spread to Trans-Nzoia County especially around Kitale, and to Uasin Gishu County near Turbo, Eldoret. Among the Tachoni clans are Abakobolo, Abamuongo, Abamarakalu, Abangachi, Abasang'alo, Abasamo, Abayumbu, Abamuchembi, Abachambai, Abacharia, Abakabini, Abamakhuli, Abasioya, Abaabichu, Abamachina, Abamutama, Abakafusi, Abasonge, Abasaniaka, Abaabiya, Abakubwayi, Abachimuluku. Note that the morpheme 'aba' means 'people'. The Abakhusia/abasamo of Kabras are also Tachonis who speak Kikabras.
Circumcision
The tribe is rich in beliefs and taboos. The most elaborate cultural practice they have is circumcision. The Tachoni practice circumcision in August of every even year. When the boys are circumcised, they go hunting in the village's forest for birds and guineafowl, and a meal is prepared for them when they return in the evening. Most meals for initiates are rich in protein and Ugali in order to replace blood lost during the circumcision. The Tachoni tribe believe in 'okhulicha'. The boys are taken to 'Esitabicha' where they are taught adult behavior. They are told secrets of the community which they are not to reveal to anyone. This is done by elderly members of the Tachoni community who have undergone the same ritual. They are taught Tachoni beliefs, philosophy, values and practices. Circumcision practices distinguish the Tachoni from the Bukusu whose practice ist quite different. For instance, during circumcision, Tachoni boys face towards the East as they are circumcised whereas Bukusu boys face the West. Linguistically, the two tribes understand each other.
Economy
The Tachoni practice farming as well as the rearing of cattle. A few engage in business.
Politics
Notable politicians among the Tachoni include Alfred Wekesa Sambu of Webuye, long-serving Councillor and Webuye Mayor - the late Paul Nalianya Ngome, and Nabii Nabwera. Those who have died include: Johnstone Welangai - former Malava large constituency and former high commissioner of Kenya to Uganda; former minister of state and secretary general of KANU Burudi Nabwera, Dr Noah Wekesa - former minister for tourism and wildlife and chairman of Jubilee Party; and Professor Everret Standa - a former vice chancellor of Kenyatta University and chairman of the commission of higher education. Peter Buruti Sifuma Namisi, Welangai Masinde in the & Burudi Nabwera are the legends of Tachoni politics. Don't forget Wasike Binyenya as well.
Dialects
The various Luhya tribes speak several related languages and dialects, though some of them are no closer to each other than they are to neighboring non-Luhya languages. For example, the Bukusu people are ethnically Luhya, but the Bukusu dialect is a variety of Masaba. However, a core of mutually intelligible dialects comprise Luhya proper:
