SUKUYE

The Sakuye are a small, semi-nomadic group of pastoralists. They are believed to be a sub-group of the Borana with Galla origins. They live in North-Eastern Kenya, near the Ethiopian border. Dabel is their traditional ceremonial site. Following Kenya's independence, nearly all of their livestock died and many of the Sakuye became destitute. Some were able to rebuild their herds but many remain poor. Their culture is undergoing basic changes as they strive to maintain their identity. In some areas, traditional Sakuye rituals have been replaced with Islamic prayers.

The Sakuye live among the Borana and, according to Goto, they are almost completely incorporated into the Karayu clan of the Borana. However, more recent studies do not agree with this. They say that the Sakuye and Borana, while related, are rivals and generally do not live together or intermarry. The Sakuye, according to these sources, have much social interaction with the neighbouring Somali peoples, and when asked, will identify themselves as Somali.

Tradition says that before the Sakuye attached themselves to the Borana, they lived with the Rendille in the Mt. Marsabit area. The Sakuye and the Rendille are said to have broken away from the Hawiya Somali years before. Tradition also says that the Gabbra Migo, a section of the Sakuye people, and the Gabbra of Kenya's Eastern Province originated from the Gurreh Somali.

Today there are two areas of Sakuye. The northern group are semi-permanent at Dabel and the southern group is in Isiolo District. Clan structure and traditions are no longer as important as in the past. Dabel is the centre of the Ayana, a strong Satan appeasement and worship cult. It is felt that it is necessary to appease Satan because he brings harm to them while it is not necessary to appease God as he does not harm people. Traditionally they worshipped one God, Wak, by putting sacrifices in special trees.

The majority can't read and only speak Borana. Even the Muslim teachers can't read although they want to learn. However, the school children are leaning to read. Most families exist on famine relief but the fortunate ones are those who still have cattle and fare better."

• Country: Kenya
• Percent Christian: 82.1%
• Percent Evangelical: 34%
• Population (Year): 30.8 million (1995)
• Major Religion: Christianity
• Openness to Missionaries: Open"

1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?

Ratio of pastors/evangelists to population: (total pastors and evangelists - 0)

Ratio of missionaries to population: (total missionaries - 2 part-time)

Who is Jesus Christ to them?

< 1% Believe Jesus is the Son of God and are nominally Christians
< 1% Believe in the Son of God and have accepted him as their Saviour
99% Believe Jesus is a prophet, teacher, good man, but not God's Son
99% Believe in local, traditional religion rather than in Jesus

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

A few have.

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

Ratio of churches to population: (total churches - 0)

Total number of communities (cities, towns, villages): (communities without church - ???)

4. DO THEY HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?

Yes. They speak Borana which has the New Testament available. The entire Bible should become available very soon.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO USE OF THE SCRIPTURE?

Literacy Rate: 95%
Other than school children, almost none of the people know how to read. The Ayana cult is very powerful. Every attempt to evangelize the Sakuye has failed so far.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Recordings: Yes
Literature: Not much
Films: ""Charms"" (Swahili)
Radio: No
Video: No
Audio-Visual: No

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

Unknown. However, they are a destitute traumatized people who theoretically should be receptive. Anyone who becomes a believer presumably would be ostracized and family members would try to get them to return to Islam and the clan.

8. IS OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE REQUIRED FROM MISSIONARIES?

Yes, both expatriates and Kenyan missionaries. However, they should expect opposition from the Muslim leaders when people begin to believe. Any missionary going to that area needs to have a strong prayer team behind them and be well versed in spiritual warfare."