Tiriki


The Tiriki are one of sixteen tribes of the Luhya people. The word Tiriki is also used to refer to their geographical location in Vihiga district, Hamisi Division in the Western province of Kenya. Hamisi constituency is one of the longest in Kenya stretching from Gambogi to Cheptulu.

Tiriki clans

Tiriki clans include Vikhava, Valukhova, Vakhadiri, Vahaliero, Vajisinde, Vaumbo, Vashitsungu, Vamavi, Vamiluha, Valukhombe, Vadura, Vamayudu, Vamuli, Vasamia, Varimbuli, Vaguga, Vasaniaga, Vanyonji, Vamoiya, Vamasese and Vasuba. ) We also have the Bamahalia clan.
Tirikis live in proximity with the Maragoli, Nandi, Luo, Banyore and the Idakho, their fellow Luhya tribes and hence the similarities with three clans of the Maragoli i.e. Vakizungu, Vamavi and Vasaniaga. Among all of the Luyha tribes, the Tiriki are particularly famous for their circumcision ceremonies with elaborate masks and body paint akin to Luhyas of Kabras in Malava held in forests around in Western and parts of Trans-Nzoia province.
The Tiriki speak Ludiriji and occupy the area North of Hamisi District in localities like Wamisi, Shamakhokho, Lwandon, Erusui, Esenende, Igavinjari, Igavsotichi, Ichitinda, Muhudu, Musunji, Kaptisi, Ibumbo, Ishiru, Tindinyo, Gamalenga, and the border town of Seremi which borders Aldai ; Rift Valley Province.
Tiriki North is home to Kaimosi Friends Primary School, the oldest formal school in Kenya and home to Kaimosi Teacher Training College, Kaimosi Friends Technical College, Kaimosi GBS and recently Kaimosi University.