Meet a Tribe In Kenya With Only 99 Members Because A Person Dies When a Baby is born

The El Molo tribe is one of the smallest ethnic groups in Kenya, with a population of around 99 members.

The tribe originally lived near Lake Turkana, but over time, they were forced to move to small islands in the northern Eastern Province of Kenya due to pressure from neighboring tribes.

Today, the El Molo people live in two villages, one with 150 people and the other with 70.

The El Molo tribe is believed to have migrated from Ethiopia around 1000 BC. Over time, they intermarried with other groups, such as the Samburu and Turkana, so most of the current population is mixed.

Although many customs and traditions remain, the language spoken by the El Molo people is now endangered. Most of them now speak the Samburu language instead.

A unique aspect of the El Molo culture is their belief about birth and death. It is a custom in the tribe that when a new baby is born, an elder from the community must die to keep the population in balance.

The tribe believes that the spirits and the cosmos guide this decision.

When a child is born, the elders of the tribe decide who will pass away, usually someone who has lived a long life. The chosen person accepts death as part of the natural life cycle and to honor their ancestors.

This belief keeps their population in check, but it also creates a tense atmosphere. If someone becomes ill during the time a child is born, they become anxious, even if they are not the one chosen to die.

There have been occasions where the population reached 100, but it was quickly corrected to maintain the balance.

Despite the challenges, the El Molo tribe continues to thrive. They showcase their traditional jewelry and handmade crafts to tourists, which helps support their community.

This unique way of life, deeply rooted in respect for ancestors and the balance of life and death, makes the El Molo tribe one of Kenya's most fascinating and mysterious groups.