Ameru Proverbs

UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, BARATON
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
AN ASSIGNMENT ON AFRICAN PROVERS(AMERU PROVERBS, their use, meaning and

application) SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE
COURSE HIST 380: PHILOSOPHY OF HISTORY
BY
EZEKIEL MURITHI IWETA
SMUREZ111
0746793220
INSTRUCTOR
BONIFACE KILONZO
Submission date: 28thMarch 2024

THE AMERU PROVERBS
THE AMERU ELDERS(wise men)
The Meru people are a community occupying parts of the Central and Eastern provinces of
Kenya. They are renowned for some of their customs regarding marriage, circumcision and
the relationship between men and women. The existence of such customs attests to the
highly communal way of living among the Meru people.
This community typically refers to proverbs as “mĩtugo” or “njûno” in their language.

Proverbs are deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of many African communities, including
this one of Ameru. They are often passed down orally from generation to generation,
reflecting the wisdom, values, and experiences of the community.
The exact origins of these merian proverbs may vary, but they are typically coined by elders,
storytellers, or individuals with deep Ameru cultural knowledge. They are formed through
observations of life, reflections on societal norms, and experiences passed down over
time.
Proverbs are found within the community as a means of teaching, guiding, and preserving
the Ameru cultural identity. They serve as mnemonic devices, aiding in the retention and
transmission of cultural knowledge and values. Elders play a significant role in imparting
proverbs to younger generations, ensuring their continued relevance and significance in the
community.
Bellow are some of the Ameru proverbs, their meanings and application.
1. GÛTÎÎ MBÎTÎÎTARÎ MÛNYANYA WAWE

There is no hyena without a friend
This proverb is coined from the way the Meru relate among themselves. It implies the
notion that everyone is important and has “value.” One should desist from looking upon
another person either because of their status or lack of material wealth. A hyena among
the Meru people is seen as an ugly animal. Now if a hyena with its ugliness can have a
friend, therefore in comparison, an ugly person (in this sense not only physically but more
so behaviorally) can have a friend too. They can also get someone to marry them! This
proverb is used in everyday life to warn people against making quick and uncouth
judgments about people. Basically it protects the underprivileged in the society against the
outright prejudice of the high and mighty.
2. Niku kurita mbiti irinyene

It’s like removing a hyena from a pit
The proverb recalls how a certain man met a hyena that had fallen into a pit. When the
hyena saw him above, he pleaded to be helped out. The man was moved in his heart as he
felt pity for it. He ascended into the pit to get the hyena out of it. On reaching the bottom of
that very large hole, the hyena told him: “I thank you for your good offer, but just before you
assist me in getting out of this deep hole, you should also know that I am very hungry as I
have been here for many days. Therefore, I demand that you give me either one of your legs
or arms to eat.” The man realized that he was in danger and got much afraid, but cleverly
said: “No problem, I have left the fattest arm just at the door of this hole, I should easily
reach for it while stepping on your back.” He quickly stepped on the hyena’s back and
craftily climbed out of the pit leaving the hyena there alone. Hence, the proverb is directed
to people who are never grateful for the good deeds done to them, and who create enmity
instead)
3. “Mūrīga na mūthaka wakwa ngūthūkū.”

Translation: A farmer and his hoe are never separated.
Meaning: This proverb emphasizes the importance of hard work and the tools
required for it. It highlights the inseparable relationship between a person and their
means of livelihood.
Application: It encourages diligence and emphasizes the value of being dedicated to
one’s work or occupation.
4. “Nī mũthaka wa ũngaragu no ũringa.”

Translation: The hoe of a lazy person is always blunt.
Meaning: Laziness leads to inefficiency and lack of productivity. This proverb

emphasizes the importance of diligence and hard work.
Application: It serves as a reminder to remain industrious and proactive in one’s
endeavors to achieve success.
5. “Mũndũ akũũra mũndũ nĩ wagaĩra.”

Translation: One who advises is one who loves.
Meaning: Giving advice is an act of care and concern for the well-being of others. It
implies that genuine advice comes from a place of love and goodwill.
Application: It encourages people to offer guidance and support to others out of
genuine concern and compassion.
6. “Mwĩrĩria ũrĩa ũkũnyagia ũngĩī nĩ wa ũrĩa ũtemaga kĩrĩra.”

Translation: The one who boasts about having eaten an elephant is the one who
did not kill it.
Meaning: This proverb warns against boasting or taking credit for something one did
not accomplish. It emphasizes humility and honesty.
Application: It reminds people to be truthful and modest, acknowledging their
achievements without exaggeration.
7. “Ĩmenti cia ndũma cia ndũrĩka mwana ũndũ.”

Translation: The fig tree of the wild forest nurtures its child.
Meaning: Even in challenging or adverse conditions, a parent cares for and nurtures
their offspring. It speaks to the instinctive and unconditional love of parents.
Application: It highlights the importance of parental care and the bond between
parents and children, emphasizing the role of nurturing in upbringing.
8. “Nakara ũngĩkwo ũcumbu kaarĩa.”

Translation: The pot that boils early is not tasty.
Meaning: Rushing or impatience can lead to undesirable outcomes. Quality often

requires time and patience.
Application: It advises against hasty decisions or actions and encourages patience
and diligence in achieving desirable results.
9. “Ũrĩa mũthi mũrĩha ndagaga ũndũ.”

Translation: The tree that bears fruit is the one that gets stoned.
Meaning: Success or achievement may attract envy or criticism from others. It

suggests that facing challenges is often a sign of progress.
Application: It prepares individuals for criticism or obstacles they may encounter on
the path to success, encouraging perseverance despite adversity.
10. “Mũndũ ũrĩa ũũitha nake, athii matagwa.”

Translation: A person who refuses to learn will eventually say, ‘I never knew.’
Meaning: Failure to seek knowledge or learn from experiences leads to ignorance

and missed opportunities. It stresses the importance of being open to learning.
Application: It encourages continuous self-improvement and emphasizes the value
of education and personal development.
11. “Mũndũ ũrĩa nī mũto, nake mũno.”

Translation: A person who is a thief today will always be a thief.
Meaning: It suggests that someone who engages in dishonest or unethical behavior
is likely to continue doing so. It warns against associating with untrustworthy
individuals.
Application: It advises against trusting or relying on individuals with a history of
deceit or dishonesty.
12. “Ĩtũringa ũrĩa itũria mũthaka.”

Translation: A child belongs to the one who rears them, not the one who gave
birth to them.
Meaning: This proverb emphasizes the importance of caregiving and nurturing in
determining parental roles. It acknowledges that the bond between a child and their
caregiver transcends biological ties.
Application: It highlights the significance of parental care and the role of caregivers
in shaping the lives of children, irrespective of biological relationships.
13. “Ũhoro ũrĩa mũtumia mwene.”

Translation: Patience belongs to the one who sends the message.
Meaning: It emphasizes the importance of being patient when waiting for a response
or action from someone else.
Application: It encourages understanding and tolerance while waiting for others to
fulfill their obligations or responsibilities.
14. “Mũkũnda ũrĩa ũikĩra nĩ wa rũciĩria.”

Translation: The forest you enter determines how you come out.
Meaning: Your environment or the company you keep influences your behavior and
outcomes.
Application: It underscores the importance of choosing positive influences and
surroundings to achieve favorable results.
15. “Njamba ũrĩa arĩa mũyũ ni wa mbere.”

Translation: The warrior who comes out first is the leader.
Meaning: It highlights the significance of bravery and leadership qualities in
determining who takes charge.
Application: It encourages individuals to display courage and initiative in leadership
roles or challenging situations.
16. “Mũndũ ũkĩũra rũcĩa, ũkĩũra rũcĩa.”

Translation: The one who learns to dance teaches others to dance.
Meaning: Learning and acquiring skills enables one to pass on knowledge and
expertise to others.
Application: It emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and mentoring
others to foster collective growth and development.
17. “Kahĩnga kũteera gĩtũmi kĩrĩa maana.”

Translation: The axe that is always sharpened cuts the tree easily.
Meaning: Regular maintenance and preparation lead to efficiency and
effectiveness.
Application: It stresses the importance of readiness and continuous improvement in
achieving goals and overcoming obstacles.
In Conclusion, the proverbs from Meru community serve as timeless pillars of wisdom,
encapsulating profound insights into human nature, societal dynamics, and moral values.
Their profound simplicity belies a depth of cultural richness and ancestral wisdom, passed
down through generations. These proverbs, crafted with eloquence and precision, offer
invaluable guidance and reflection on various aspects of life, including hard work,
diligence, leadership, and the importance of nurturing relationships. Each proverb serves
as a testament to the collective consciousness and shared experiences of the community,
reaffirming the significance of cultural heritage in shaping individual identities and fostering
communal cohesion. Through their enduring relevance and applicability, these proverbs
continue to inspire, educate, and resonate with people both within and beyond their
cultural context, embodying the timeless essence of human wisdom and resilience.
Reference:
M’imana,mûkûrû o kîrîra.

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UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN AFRICA, BARATON

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

AN ASSIGNMENT ON AFRICAN PROVERS(AMERU PROVERBS, their use, meaning and

EZEKIEL MURITHI IWETA

Submission date: 28thMarch 2024

THE AMERU ELDERS(wise men)

This community typically refers to proverbs as “mĩtugo” or “njûno” in their language.

1. GÛTÎÎ MBÎTÎÎTARÎ MÛNYANYA WAWE

2. Niku kurita mbiti irinyene

3. “Mūrīga na mūthaka wakwa ngūthūkū.”

4. “Nī mũthaka wa ũngaragu no ũringa.”

Meaning: Laziness leads to inefficiency and lack of productivity. This proverb

5. “Mũndũ akũũra mũndũ nĩ wagaĩra.”

6. “Mwĩrĩria ũrĩa ũkũnyagia ũngĩī nĩ wa ũrĩa ũtemaga kĩrĩra.”

7. “Ĩmenti cia ndũma cia ndũrĩka mwana ũndũ.”

8. “Nakara ũngĩkwo ũcumbu kaarĩa.”

Meaning: Rushing or impatience can lead to undesirable outcomes. Quality often

9. “Ũrĩa mũthi mũrĩha ndagaga ũndũ.”

Meaning: Success or achievement may attract envy or criticism from others. It

10. “Mũndũ ũrĩa ũũitha nake, athii matagwa.”

Meaning: Failure to seek knowledge or learn from experiences leads to ignorance

11. “Mũndũ ũrĩa nī mũto, nake mũno.”

12. “Ĩtũringa ũrĩa itũria mũthaka.”

13. “Ũhoro ũrĩa mũtumia mwene.”

14. “Mũkũnda ũrĩa ũikĩra nĩ wa rũciĩria.”

15. “Njamba ũrĩa arĩa mũyũ ni wa mbere.”

16. “Mũndũ ũkĩũra rũcĩa, ũkĩũra rũcĩa.”

17. “Kahĩnga kũteera gĩtũmi kĩrĩa maana.”

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