The 30th of November has become a remarkable day in the cultural life of the Sebei Kingdom. It was on this day that the people gathered to celebrate the commissioning of the Sapiiny Anthem, a moment that blended heritage, unity, and the spirit of the sabiny community. The event brought together elders, youth, cultural groups, and visitors who filled the highland air with excitement and pride.
The ceremony was simple yet deeply meaningful. The centerpiece of the day was the address delivered by His Highness, the Cultural King, Peter Swilkei. In his speech, he reminded the community of the importance of safeguarding their traditions while continuing to build a strong and united kingdom. His words carried the weight of ancestry and the hope of future generations.
Food played a central role in the celebration, as it always does in Sebei culture. Visitors were served sour milk, known traditionally as Kwerionok or Murisk,
A drink that represents purity, peace, and the blessing of cattle. Millet, called Bagga, was prepared to honor its place as a long-standing source of nourishment in Sebei households. There was also cassava, or Mokkonnik, which remains a dependable staple for many families, and yams, known as Musabek, symbolizing the agricultural traditions that have shaped the community for generations.
These foods were presented using equipment that reflects the heritage of the Sebei people. Woven baskets, calabashes for milk, clay pots, and leather bags appeared throughout the grounds, reminding everyone of the tools that sustained their ancestors long before modern times.
The occasion also encouraged people to reflect on what has shaped the Sebei Kingdom. Its history is rooted in the highlands of Mount Elgon, in the pastoral lifestyle centered around cattle, in the wisdom carried by elders, and in the oral stories, songs, and customs passed down across generations. The commissioning of the Sappiny Anthem is therefore more than a cultural achievement. It is an affirmation that Sebei identity is alive and will continue to guide the community forward.
As the anthem was heard for the first time, its melody carried both the memory of the past and the promise of the future. The 30th of November now stands as a day of pride for the Sebei Kingdom, a day when the community came together to celebrate who they are, where they come from, and the legacy they hope to leave.