This archive report was first published on 16 October 2019.
Published on October 16, 2019, Eliud Kipchoge, the greatest marathoner of all time, comes from the Talai clan of the Nandi people who reside in Kapsisiywa, Emgwen sub-county.
The Talai clan is one of the most respected clans in the Nandi and other Kalenjin communities. Their totemic animal is the lion, and they are known for their leadership abilities, producing great leaders like Koitalel arap Samoei, president Idriss Deby of Chad, Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie, and Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow.
According to Kipchoge Araap Choomu, a descendant of the community, the word Talai is believed to have come from the root word Tala, meaning meek and humble people. The clan has resisted the British colonial rule for 11 years, the longest for any African community.
Members of the clan are known for their bravery and heroism. They were displaced from their land in present-day Tinderet by the colonizers and settled at Kapsisiywa in Nandi County in a place infested by mosquitoes and tsetseflies.
Among the Nandi, the Talai Oorgoiik are referred to as Talai Kutwo. In Uganda, the Talai are also called Iloibonok by the Ilmaasai and have produced great leaders like Kabaka Mutusa.
Here are some of the unique things to note about the Talai clan:
- The Talai is one of the most respected clans in the Nandi and other Kalenjin communities.
- Their totemic animal is the lion.
- They are known for their leadership abilities and have produced great leaders.
- They resisted the British colonial rule for 11 years, the longest for any African community.
- Members of the clan are known for their bravery and heroism.
- They were displaced from their land in present-day Tinderet by the colonizers.
- Among the Nandi, the Talai Oorgoiik are referred to as Talai Kutwo.
- In Uganda, the Talai are also called Iloibonok by the Ilmaasai.
- They have produced great leaders like Kabaka Mutusa.
