Population: 40,000
Status: 0% Christian
Location and Identity: The Orma are semi-nomadic herders who live in the deserts of south-eastern Kenya. They are the southernmost representatives of the once powerful Oromo (Galla) nation of Ethiopia and Northern Kenya. They are related to the Borana and other Oromo groups. In the late 19th century the Orma were forced by Ogaadeen Somali to migrate south into Kenya. Some Ormas moved into the rich delta area of the lower Tana while others settled in the drier western Tana area. By 1980, their numbers had grown to 18,000.
History: Before 1500, the Oromo-speaking peoples began migrating south from the northeastern highlands of Ethiopia, spreading gradually to the area north of Mt. Kenya and down the River Tana to the coast. These were cattle and camel herders, who raided more settled peoples as they migrated or ranged through various territories. The Orma were in approximately their current settlement areas by 1900.
Language: The Orma language is an Eastern Cushite language of the Oromo family. Orma is similar to Borana-Arusi-Guji (also called Borana), but not mutually intelligible. Some Western Orma also understand Borana. Nearer the coast many speak Swahili.
Customs: Cattle are central to the Orma culture. Herding is their only means of survival; they keep goats and sheep alongside their cattle. Cattle are paid as bride price from the groom’s family. They are also slaughtered at weddings and funerals. All of life focuses on the welfare of the cattle. Meat is the main food, supplemented with milk and blood, though now some Orma also eat maize, rice, beans and tea. The arid climate of the upper Tana region is too dry to support agriculture, so the Orma there have no vegetables in their diet.
The Orma live in round huts which consist of wooden framework covered with woven mats and grass. The women build these houses. When people move with the herds, the house is dismantled and put on a pack animal along with the household goods. A larger version of the houses are built for people who live in permanent villages.
Special ceremonies surround the birth of children. After a woman gives birth, the baby is dedicated at 7 days. The woman stays secluded for a total of 40 days. There is a feast with the other women in the village and the baby is dedicated again. The ceremony ends with the women dancing.
Religion: The Orma are 100% Muslim. They converted to Islam starting three or four generations ago. They observe all the rites and festivals of Islam.
Christianity: Johan Krapf, the first Christian missionary in Kenya, came to Kenya to reach the Oromo (Galla) peoples. There has been some effort by Africa Inland Church missionaries off and on since 1960. Finally concerted efforts by AIC began around 1980. The missionaries requested help from Bible Transation and Literacy to develop literature for evangelism and discipleship as well as Bible translation. Translation is under way but no scripture portions have been produced. Only a few Ormas have come to Christ so far.