Population: 7,000
Status: 0.1% Christian
Sikhism began as a result of a blending of the mystical aspects of Hinduism and Islam. In 1469 Guru Nanak began to teach "living truth" that combined Islamic and Hindu teaching. All his followers worshipped together without regard of caste, creed, race or sex and without ritual. All prayer comes from a sincere heart and is to be accompanied by a pure life. Nanak taught love and forgiveness. Many of his teachings are similar to Jesus’ teachings in the gospels.
In 1699 Sikhism became a militant order called Khalsa Panth. A special uniform was devised and members were called Singhs (lions). A special style of turban was introduced which is still worn today by the singhs. Not all Sikhs are singhs. The 10th guru, Govind Singh, having no successor, invested the holy writings, Granth Saheb, with the guruship, thus ending the line of human gurus. The book itself is not worshipped, only the word of God it contains. Female inductees in to the Khalsa Panth take the middle name Kaur. There are some sikhs, male and female, who do not become Khalsa members.
When the British became involved in India, the Sikhs became a vital part of the Indian Army. It was as soldiers that many came to Kenya to police the colonies and, later, to serve as guards in the building of the railroad. Thousands of other Sikhs also came then as professionals, and skilled workers. When the railroad was completed a few opted to remain in Kenya where they set themselves up as entrepreneurs in their skills. They especially excelled in mechanics, which they continue today along with electrical work, construction professions and many other skills. Some went back to their farming skills, especially around Lake Victoria.
The Sikh temple at Makindu, one of the many in Kenya, has become a landmark and exemplifies their open-door policy. Anyone may eat and sleep in their rest houses.
The Sikh calendar has over 30 holidays. Most are commemorations of Sikh gurus. The most important day for Sikhs is Baisakhi, celebrating the day Guru Govind Singh chose to initiate his Khalsa army. It is held on the Spring Solstice.
Sikhs also celebrate Diwali, Dussehra and some other Hindu festivals, but with their own variations and emphases.
Sikhism recognizes the equality of men and women. Marriage is not restricted within the community or even religion, although individual families may object. A Sikh wedding is very simple compared to a Hindu wedding.
In 1957 International Missions, Inc., came to Kenya to minister to Asians, including Sikhs. Some have studied the Bible and a few accepted Christ. Fellowship Bible Church in Nairobi has maintained community contact ministries with Sikhs. In the early 1970’s Parklands Baptist Centre was oriented to Sikhs and other Asians, but the community and church became more African oriented in the 1980’s.
David Schaad, International Missions, Inc.
August 1994
Orville Boyd Jenkins
February 1996