- “Wendo wa mwana ni wa mũthoni.”
- Meaning: The love for a child is a love for the mother.
- This emphasizes the bond between a mother and her child, highlighting that caring for a child reflects the mother’s nurturing.
- “Njeru ni mũgambo, mũgambo ni njeru.”
- Meaning: A river is a conversation; a conversation is a river.
- This suggests that communication flows like a river, and highlights the importance of dialogue in relationships.
- “Mutumia ni mũgwanja, mũgwanja ni mutumia.”
- Meaning: A woman is a garden; a garden is a woman.
- This metaphor suggests that women, like gardens, require care and attention to flourish, emphasizing the nurturing role of women.
- “Kĩrĩa kĩrĩ na gĩtũra.”
- Meaning: What is eaten is what is harvested.
- This proverb teaches that one’s actions (what one does) will ultimately determine the outcomes (what one receives).
- “Ng’ombe ni mũhiki wa wendo.”
- Meaning: Cows are the wealth of love.
- This highlights the importance of cattle in Kikuyu culture, symbolizing wealth and the relationships formed around sharing resources.
- “Mũndu ũrũgire mũndu.”
- Meaning: A person is what they have done to others.
- This stresses the significance of one’s actions towards others and how they define a person’s character.
- “Gĩthaka gĩtune, mbĩrĩ gĩkĩirĩ.”
- Meaning: A thorn is not a friend, but a friend can be a thorn.
- This implies that while friends can sometimes hurt us, it is essential to maintain friendships despite the challenges.
- “Nĩgũrĩra mũndu.”
- Meaning: I am a person because of others.
- This proverb emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals and the importance of community and relationships in defining one’s identity.
- “Wendo wa gĩkũya nĩ wendo wa mũthoni.”
- Meaning: The love of a Kikuyu is the love of a mother.
- This reflects the deep-rooted cultural values placed on maternal love, illustrating that love is central to the Kikuyu identity/
10. “Kũrĩa kĩrĩa nĩ gũcũra.”
- “Kũrĩa kĩrĩa nĩ gũcũra.”
- Meaning: Eating is what brings health.
- This highlights the importance of sustenance and nutrition for well-being, underscoring the connection between food and health.