Does your clan have anything to do with who you are?

One Monday morning I sat to read my all-time favorite crazy Monday. I came across this article describing Kikuyu women from Ethaga, Akiuru or Ambura clan. The writers described them as very beautiful and charming but were dogged with a ‘curse’ of sorts. It reminded me of my relationship that had ended seven months ago.

We had just dated for a month when he insisted to know my clan. I thought he was joking because, at this age, who still bothers about mihiriga and mbari? (clans and sub clans). He does not even know how to speak the language. So I dismissed it and until he brought up the issue again, did I get interest to ask my dad. “You are an Ethaga”, he had told me. I did not know how much this answer would later cost me.