Chonyi tribe of the Mijikenda

The Chonyi, also referred to as Achonyi (A person from this tribe may also be referred to as a Mchonyi), are one of the smaller tribes of the Mijikenda on the coast of Kenya. These tribes include: Giriama, Digo, Duruma, Rabai, Kambe, Jibana, Kauma and Ribe.

Their population sums up to the environs of 184,000 people (Kenya National Population Census Report 2009). They are found in Kilifi and Kaloleni Districts in the Coast Province of Kenya, neighboring the Giryama people. They mostly engage in farming and fishing as economic activities.

Their populations can be found in the villages of Lutsangani, Chidutani, Dzitsoni, Bundacho, Ziani, Karimboni, Chigojoni, Dindiri, Junju, Katikirieni, Mwarakaya, Pingilikani, Vwevwesi, Mafisini, Ng’ombeni, Chizingo, Chikambala, Chengoni, Chije, Banda-ra-Salama and Mbuyuni.

They are also found in recent settlements areas of Kilifi District like Chumani, Roka, Maweni, Vipingo, Takaungu, and Mtwapa. Where “kiti” means chair in Swahili, “Kihi” is Giriama and “Chihi” is Chonyi. These subtribes are similar, but recognizably different languages.

Notably, like the other Mijikenda tribes, the Chonyi live in settlements known as Kaya.

The original “Kaya Chonyi” is located on a forested hilltop. In the center of the Kaya were shrines where the elders would pray to god or “Mulungu”.

Origins of Chonyi People

According to a Chonyi myth, the Achonyi originated in Singwaya (or Shungwaya), which was to the north of the Somali coast.

They were driven south by the Oromo until they reached their present locations along the ridge, where they built their kayas within a protective setting.

Naming of Chonyi People

The naming of the Chonyi people is symbolic, for example, MBEYU is a name of a girl mbeyu meaning seeds for planting.

KARISA means a boy who is a herder most probably born when her mother was in the field grazing.

NYAVULA is a girl name meaning a rainy season, born during times of rains.

MOKOLI is a boy name meaning a person who is helpful. Names are also often repeated in the family.

The names of the father’s uncles and aunts would become the names of his children; this would be repeated with the mother’s side of the family.

Once the names from both sides of the family have been used the parents can choose original names. Another interesting fact about names is that the first name of the father will become the last name of the rest of the family.

An example would be if one’s name is KARISA MZUNGU, KARISA would be the last name of his children and wife. Although it is a tradition to name your family in this way it is a practice that is slowly fading.