SEGEJU

Also known as the Dhaiso, the Islamized Segeju was first mentioned as the Mosseguejos in Portuguese literature. Mount Kenya and surrounding areas are considered to be the original homeland of the Segeju. A war-like pastoral people, similar to the Masai, they owned large numbers of cattle and lived on a diet of blood and milk. Having been recruited by the Portuguese, the Segeju helped to defeat and drove the Zimba people to the south. Mombasa was conquered by the Segeju for their Malindi allies. However, in the seventeenth century the Oroma came in from the north and drive the people out of the Malindi area. Over the last century many Segeju migrated further south to the Tanga region in Tanzania. Today the majority of this people group can be found at Bwiti in Tanzania. The original language is now only in use in this area.

Influenced by their neighbours, the Dhaiso has adapted to a coastal agricultural society. Polygamy is very much part of their culture. A wife's funeral expenses are divided among the husband and his brothers and the brothers and sisters of the dead woman. Expenses are also contributed to by the husband's additional wives. All weddings and funerals are marked by the beating of the war drums. Inheritance laws apply to coconut palms, but not to land, huts, and livestock. Crops such as coconuts , cassava, and rice are cultivated. Migration into Tanzania was halted by the government's Ujaama village programme."

• Country: Tanzania
• Population (year): 32.9 million (1995)
• Major Religion: Christian
• Percent Christian: 51%
• Percent Evangelical: 9.7%
• Openness to Missionaries: Open"

1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?

Who is Jesus Christ to them: 2*% Believe Jesus is the Son of God

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Believers to population: 1 believer to every 50* persons (total believers - 580*)(2*%)

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

There are no indigenous Segeju churches.

4. DOES THIS PEOPLE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?

No.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

Islamic law prohibits the proselytization of Segeju people.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

None.

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

No.

8. DO THEY REQUIRE OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE?

Yes. The Segeju needs to be introduced to the truth of the gospel message."