For the Turkana, goat intestines predict rains, raids, droughts, diseases

Elders analysing goats intestines during climate prediction ceremony [Courtesy]

The Turkana don’t have to rely on the Met or weather Apps to know when it will rain, onset of cold season or when to migrate their livestock during drought.

It all starts with Agata, a prayer to the gods to prevent calamities and bestow good tidings before indulging in Edonga a traditional dance to usher in the goat slaughtering ceremony called Akritet and for which women dance gracefully dressed in Abwo, the long skin dress stemming at the back to the ground, Ngakoromwa, the beads on their necks rising to the tunes.