Ogiek

The Okiek, sometimes called the Ogiek or Akiek (although the term Akiek sometimes refers to a distinct subgroup), are an indigenous people based in Northwestern Tanzania, Southern Kenya (in the Mau Forest), and Western Kenya (in the Mount Elgon Forest). In 2000 the ethnic Okiek population was estimated to number 36,869, although the number of those speaking the Akiek language was as low as 500. Many Ogiek speakers have shifted to the languages of surrounding peoples: the Akiek in northern Tanzania now speak Maasai and the Akiek of Kinare, Kenya now speak Gikuyu. The Ogiek are one of various groups of hunter-gatherers in Kenya and Tanzania to which the term Dorobo or Ndorobo (a term of Maasai origin now considered derogatory) has been applied.

The Ogiek have made numerous claims against the government of Kenya alleging unfair treatment, especially that they have been illegally dispossessed of their land. Timsales Ltd. is active in deforestation in its area for long. It is partly owned by relatives of former presidents Kenyatta and Moi.

You can learn more about the Ogiek People at www.ogiek.org

Indigenous Peoples in Kenya

Ogiek Peoples mere steps away from securing ancestral land rights

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Underreported Struggles #29, August 2009

Sep 1, 2009 • In this month’s underreported struggles: Mapuche communities mobilize to reclaim land; Tens of Thousands Join Protests for Democracy in... Read More

Emergency Support needed for the Ogiek

Aug 7, 2009 • Unless the international community can pressure Kenya to respect Indigenous Rights, in the coming month (September) as many as... Read More

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Jun 29, 2009 • In this Month’s Underreported Struggles:Nak’azdli First Nation goes to court, evicts company; Maya Protesters burn equipment at gold mine;... Read More

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Mar 2, 2008 • It was pretty much ‘business as usual’ for the month of February. Corporations continued acting as innocent third parties... Read More

Underreported Struggles #10, January 2008

Feb 1, 2008 • Things are getting worse for the world’s indigenous people. It’s no longer a matter of a few companies doing... Read More

Kenya’s Ogiek tribe caught up in violence

Jan 30, 2008 • Today, Survival International released an alert explaining that Kenya’s honey-hunting Ogiek are being targeted in the escalating post-election violence... Read More

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