Avee na vakoza vingi agona ni inzara. (Maragoli)
Mwenye wajomba wengi alilala njaa. (Swahili)
The one with many uncles slept hungry. (English)

Background, Explanation, History and Everyday use

The Maragoli ethnic group is the second largest sub-tribe of the six million member Luhya community. They live mainly in the western part of Kenya. This proverb is said to those who boost they possess almost everything on earth, but find themselves, in one way or the other, lacking at least something in life.

Biblical Parallels

Deuteronomy 8: 18: “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant which he swore to your ancestors as it is today.”

Contemporary Use and Religious Applications

This Maragoli proverb challenges one to avoid boosting based on what they own because God is the giver of everything including wealth.

Mr. Seith Wekesa
Legal and Protection Officer
Department of Refugee Affairs
Ministry of Immigration
P. O. Box 42227-00100
Nairobi, Kenya
Cellphone: (254) 720-890328
Email: wekesaseth@gmail.com