A Sebei Oral Tradition Teaching Respect, Justice, and Community Values
In the past, young men in Sebei found it difficult to get married. Families had to travel far, visit many villages, and negotiate carefully. They often offered gifts like cows, goats, hens, or alcohol to win the family’s approval.
One story that generations still tell is about a man named Kapchemurya. He traveled to Bukwo, near the Kenyan border, to find a wife. Unfortunately, he ignored proper customs, raped a girl he liked, and then fled back to Kween.
The community reacted strongly. People composed songs to shame Kapchemurya. Everywhere—while ploughing fields, playing, collecting firewood, or grazing cows—they sang about him. As a result, no woman wanted to marry him, and his reputation suffered greatly.
Later, Kapchemurya attacked a blind woman. She reported him and identified him by touch. The elders gathered all the men, and the blind woman correctly recognized Kapchemurya. Despite having weeks to confess, he refused to admit his crimes.
The community’s elders and oldest women then performed a ritual of cursing. Soon after, people found Kapchemurya dead, reportedly hanging himself with a plant called barowetaap-moi. His selfish and harmful actions ultimately ended his life tragically.
Today, the story of Kapchemurya continues to teach young people in Sebei. It warns them to respect others, follow community rules, and understand that harmful actions carry consequences. Through songs, stories, and oral history, the community preserves its values for future generations.