For centuries the Tachoni tribe, which forms the second largest group of the Luhya community in western Kenya, has lived without the translation of the Bible in their own vernacular language, but through their dedicated leaders of the community, now they have a smile on their faces after they entered into an agreement with the Bible Translation and Literacy (BTL) East Africa, which agreed to support them in doing the translation.
The Tachoni translated bible being launched officially
In a colorful event that took place at the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology TVET (MMUST TVET) Webuye campus, leaders across Luyhland, professionals, church leaders and other government officials witnessed the occasion where the Bible translation and literacy through their CEO, Mr. Samuel Muia Kakui and The Tachoni community unveiled the translation of the New Testament Bible, tapped Yindagano Yimpiakha In their press briefing with media during the event, Mr. Kisaka, the person who was in charge of the translation, highlighted the reason for the translation as making the Bible known and understood in their own language.
“For years the Tachoni community did not have a bible translated in their own language; we have been using the Maragoli, Bukusu and Swahili versions, but through the efforts of our dedicated leaders we agreed to do a translation, which took twelve good years.” Mr. Kisaka said. The Bible translation into the Tachoni language began in 2016. In 2018, the Gospel of Luke was dedicated and launched. Beyond translation work, literacy classes and Scripture engagement activities have been ongoing throughout this period. “To the glory of God, the Tachoni New Testament Bible is now complete, a version to use among the Tachoni people.” Mr. Kakui said.
Other programs under the Tachoni Bible Translation and Literacy are;
1. Tachoni Jesus film, courtesy of LIFE Ministry Kenya
2. The Faith Comes by Hearing, courtesy of FCBH
3. Church visitation, courtesy of BTL
4. Pastors Fellowship, courtesy of BTL
Language is the ultimate guardian of cultural identity. They warmly applaud the translation of the Holy Bible into the Tachoni dialect, alongside the impactful literacy programs driving this vision forward. This is more than a spiritual milestone; it is a powerful preservation of their heritage. By reading and writing in their mother tongue, the Tachoni community is, however, refining its identity and securing its pride for generations to come.
Bungoma governor Lusaka with the bible during the launch
Tachoni community members who actively participated in the Bible Translation and Literacy (BTL) project include project officer Tobias Kere Walubengo and local translators/contributors such as EpilisiQ Mwivanda Omutachoni and his elder brother Nelson Kakai Sikanga Omutachoni. Government leaders who graced the event are Governor for Bungoma County Kenneth Makelo Lusaka; Area MP Martin Pepela Wanyonyi, Didmus Barasa Kimilili member of Parliament; MCA Ali Majani Mutoka, Maraka Ward, Violet Makhanu, Mihuu Ward, among others. Also present at the event were Knut deputy general secretary Agree Namisi, Evans Murumba mp aspirant webuye east and Nancy kibaba Bungoma women aspirant.