Recently, Wanyonyi, from Marakaru in Bungoma County, achieved remarkable fame by devouring 20 chapatis and a 5-kilogram serving of beans in just 10 minutes. This impressive feat took place in an open field during the annual tea plantation season, where participants are given a hot meal 45 minutes into the contest.
Each year, this event captivates the audience, and this time, Wanyonyi emerged as the champion, earning free fertilizer and tree seeds for his efforts. Despite the astonishment of the spectators, Wanyonyi attributed his success to his exceptional eating prowess and expressed his enthusiasm for future eating contests.
Wanyonyi’s accomplishment is impressive, considering the effort required to consume such large quantities of food. In contrast, Wamalwa displayed a natural talent for competitive eating, clearly enjoying these events.
Cultural norms, such as the Luhya community’s restriction on women eating ‘Ingokho,’ highlight the importance of understanding and preserving cultural beliefs. Young people are encouraged to engage with elders to better understand their identity and the significance of these traditions. During a recent discussion with Bukusu elders John Sunguti, 78, and Amos Wanjala, 80, we explored various Luhya customs, particularly the tradition of prohibiting women from eating chicken. Although some allowances exist today, certain parts, such as the coveted gizzard, remain culturally significant and off-limits for women. Ignorance of these customs can lead to severe consequences, including divorce and legal disputes.
Derrick Makhanu, 55, proposes that the historical restriction on women’s chicken consumption might have been a strategy to monopolize this delicacy. He dismisses health concerns related to eggs for women, arguing for their nutritional benefits. Both the elders and Makhanu believe that these restrictions stem from a fear that women might consume eggs intended for hatching.
While these cultural norms were once widely accepted, modern perspectives challenge their relevance. Anne, a 36-year-old financial advisor from Bungoma town, views these traditions as outdated and oppressive. She argues that education and modernization have empowered women, making such practices obsolete. Anne advocates for the abandonment of beliefs that no longer align with societal progress, urging a reevaluation of discriminatory cultural practices against women.
