The Orkoiyot occupied a sacred and special role within the Nandi and

Kipsigis people The Kipsigis or Kipsigiis are a Nilotic tribe in Kenya. They are contingent of the Kalenjin ethnic group and speak Kipsigis language, a tonal language which is closely related to a group of languages collectively known as Kalenjin language. It ...

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. He held the dual roles of chief spiritual and military leader, and had the authority to make decisions regarding security particularly the waging of war. Notable Orkoiik include Kimnyole Arap Turukat, Koitalel Arap Samoei and Barsirian Arap Manyei.

Etymology

The origin of the word is unknown though Huntingford (1927) speculates that the word orkoiyot derives from two words "ooo" (big ) and "koot"(house) hence the big house. The word predates the office it would represent among the Nandi as evinced by its presence in other Kalenjin communities e.g. Kony (orkōan, orkōandet) and Suk (werkoiyon). It was originally applied to a class of wizards who were perceived to be of a benevolent nature and were thus tolerated and were distinct from ponik, a class of wizards who were perceived to only be evil. Huntingford (1972) notes that the men-folk of the Kamwaike oret were the traditional orkoiik in Nandi before the Masai family of Kapuso took the pre-eminence from them.

History

Origins

The office that the Orkoiyot held was referred to as the OrkoinotetGenealogy of the Nadi Orkoiyot from Kipsegun to Samoe
online
/ref> and was established among the Nandi by Kipsegun, a Segelai Maasai. The abilities that distinguished an Orkoiyot were hereditary and thus the office passed on to his son Arap Kipsegun though their dynasty was short-lived and ended with the son.Hollis, A. C., ''The Nandi - Their Language and Folklore''. Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1909, p. 50 The second dynasty was founded through a woman named Moki chebo Cheplabot, the wife of a Maasai Laibon who fled during a war with the Nandi while pregnant. She later bore two sons, Kopokoii and Barsapotwa, while hiding in caves near Keben in the Mogobich Valley. Moki and her sons, the former who would become the first Orkoiyot of the second and last dynasty, were captured and adopted into the Talai clan.East African Standard, Why leaders seek blessings in a Nandi Village, Nov.200
online
/ref> The Talai are a widespread Kalenjin clan and among the Nandi are aligned with the Lion Totem.

Genealogical table

The Orkoinotet lasted for over fifty years and went through a period of a dual administration during the time of Arap Kipsegun and Kopokoii until the former was ousted.

Administrative structure of the Nandi

The Orkoiik were recognized across Nandi as being at the head of the governance system. They did not however play a large role in the affairs of everyday life; which were handled by the Kiruogik, heads of the districts and direct representatives of the people.

Kiruogik

The Kiruogindet (pl. Kiruogik) was spokesman or counselor chosen by the people in each district ('' pororiet''). They were responsible to the Orkoiyot through the Maotiot for the good governance of their respective districts and the enrollment of troops in time of war.

Maotik

The Orkoiyot appointed one Maotiot (pl. Maotik) in each district to represent the Orkoiyot at the district level.

References

{{Reflist Kenyan religious leaders Kenyan military personnel