In Kenya termites, as food, is considered a uniquely Luhya thing. As such, some have termed termites a bizarre food choice. It’s a lazy take that betrays ignorance on the nutritional benefits of termites. Further, the insipidness of such a take on a gourmet Luhya delicacy leaves a bad taste. I find the promise of insects as a sustainable food choice to alleviate world hunger truly satiating. That said, across the Houses of Mulembe, there exist subtle lexical and sometimes substantial departs on termites as food. This article introduces the reader to everything tsitswa – the edible, yummy and taboos on termites according to the Maragoli of Kenya.
Meet makilondo the taboo termite according to Maragoli of Kenya
Black body in color. Makilondo are termites that are sighted in the evenings or at night. They have transparent to dirt colored wings. Among the Maragoli, these termites are not eaten. They are the only termites to be feared according to the Maragoli of Kenya. For the sons and daughters of Khaliyesa and Mulogoli verily believe that eating makilondo causes deafness.
On the converse, among the Bukusu a termite known as kamakhubwe – black body, black wings that emerges with the rain is not eaten. Kamakhubwe are believed to come of decomposing or decomposed bodies. Further there are termites known as biurunguru – are tiny, very tiny with white wings and brown body. The descendants of Sela and Mwambu verily believe munching on these ones causes deafness in children.
Mavuli
Have a similar appearance to Makilondo, but smaller, with brownish to whitish wings. They emerge in the evenings even without rain. In Lubukusu, they are known as kamabuli. These termites are fit for human consumption.
Tsisisi
In Vihiga County, home to the Maragoli, these termites known as tsisisi in Lulogooli are common in Majengo, Ingidi, Lusuka or any area with sandy soils. Tsisisi are commonly sighted between the sixth and ninth months of the year. Tsisisi have white wings. In Lulogooli, the art of trapping/harvesting termites is known as kutungila tsitsisi. Just as with the Bukusu do with chiswa chikhupaka, kutungila tsitsisi involves building a trap using blankets, sticks and a bit of ingenuity.
Lifedete
These tsitswa colonies anthills. They are fatty with a nutty taste that for uncultured palates will need some getting used to. The Bukusu call them chiswa chisiisi. Lifedete are common around the home as they are attracted to light and given a chance, they will flood any light source. This knowledge of their love for light is utilized by the Luhya when building mud traps designed to harvest this type of tsitswa.
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