The Segeju (Swahili language: Wasegeju; Mijikenda: Asagidzu) are a Bantu peoples ethnolinguistic group mostly based in Tanzania's Tanga Region (particularly Mkinga District) and Kenya's Kwale County.
In 2012, the Segeju population was estimated to number fewer than 25,000,
Ethnonym
The
ethnonym of Segeju is said to be derived from the Swahili words
Kusega, meaning 'to draw' and
juu, meaning 'up' or 'high'. The Segeju were said to have acquired the name following contact with the Shirazis in the 17th century, on account of the habit of their wearing of skin garments around their loins higher than was usual.
History
Origins
Segeju
Oral tradition describe a close historical connection between them and the
Dhaiso people, an ethnic group primarily inhabiting the foot of the Usambara Mountains. The
mother-tongue of the Dhaiso is a Thagicũ language, which is related to the
Kamba language and other
Bantu languages of Central Kenya. Some Segeju are aware that their
Ancestor spoke this Thagicũ language too and of their distant connection to the
Kamba people,
Kikuyu people, and other Thagicũ peoples. The linguistic connection between these peoples clearly indicates that the Segeju, Dhaiso, and Central Kenyan Bantu people share a common origin, presumably in the upper reaches of the Tana River.
However, according to Segeju Tradition recorded by Mhando (2008), the Segeju state that they originated from Shungwaya. Shungwaya is a Legend place said to be roughly located north of Kenya's Pate Island in present-day Southern Somalia. Another version states that they came from Arabia, specifically Yemen.
c.1590 - 1630
Zimba defeat, Segeju-Swahili coast rivalry
The Segeju also acted as a military for hire by Swahili city of Malindi. In the 16th century, The Zimba, a military arm of the
Maravi, goes on a rampage pillaging Swahili cities. After pillaging
Mombasa, the Zimba head for
Malindi but are annihilated by the Segeju when they were scaling the walls of Malindi. Segeju gain fame for this feat and later on, Malindi uses the Segeju as warriors for hire to siege the city of Mombasa on behalf of the Sheikh of Malindi.
During the battle for Mombasa, Shehe bin Misham and his three adult sons are killed. Shortly afterward the Segeju occupied Mombasa, eventually surrendering it to the Sheikh of Malindi, who invites his ally, the Portuguese, to set up base.
c. 1650 - 1700
Galla-Segeju conflict
Mhando records that the Segeju were attacked by the Galla in the second half of the 17th century. This caused their society to fragment into at least three sections. One of the groups fled to
Lamu Island where they intermarried with the local people, giving rise to the
Bajuni people. Another group fled to an area known as Mwangea while the third fled to the lower Tana region. The last group would later move to their current areas of occupancy due to long droughts in the Tana region.
Culture
Religion
Virtually all Segeju are
Sunni Islam of the Shafi'ite
Madhhab due to a series of historical interactions and intermarriages with the neighboring
Swahili people in the 17th century.
There is a small
Christians minority among the Segeju of Kenya.
