The Kalenjin riddles

Riddles are statements, questions, or phrases that have double or veiled meanings put forth as a puzzle to be tackled by the respondent. In the Kalenjin community, riddle teasing was common among children. It was a pastime activity for children especially late in the evening or during heavy rains. The following are some of the common riddles among the Kalenjin people;
Riddle | Answer | English equivalent |
Obuk maba | Kinaik | Breast |
Kibir ng’weny Kichembe | Etyet | Bridge |
Nyigis akobo Nyong’i | Rogoret | Drinking straw |
Kiamas chemunai kober kowet | Terait/ Lekwelet | Bicycle |
Nyon kechut osnoni kecheng korgo kichang koligo | Sosuryet | Wild banana |
Birting/Kibirting | Korotik | Blood |
Chaabi lilei kobiro | Koet | Liver |
Itwole Keryeny kogasis Kosyom | Kenut | Vessel |
Ibune oret nechabai anan nesingortot | Nechabai negoichoboe tuga | Smooth path |
Arwab ilat kerer ngweny | Mogombombetab eik | Plough |
Chepkulung kituiyo met | Magargarek | Lumps |
Chepkugur mi oik | Muryat | Rat |
Isurunen omo omin | Serut | Nose |
Kyawirte rungunyun kowawa emet | Wagat | Wailing |
Kona kona chelogoi | Retio | Radio |
Kutkuteni ilat koitin tui | Chebibichet | Whirlwind |
Muraran kamasyan | Tugab labot | Sodom apple |
Kilang’ot kapkanyun kot ang’otee tilaatil | Butekab konyek | Eyelashes |
Kyowe kot kobiririt oret | Birechik | Ants |
Kyowe kot kolelit oret | Kibunerek | Mushrooms |
Mugulen akobo konut | Muguik | Testicles |
Kyochut anwa kwo soi | Oret | Path |
Kyait goi iyoait goi iyo | Kageruiyo | Sleep |
Kirginyun kiptubtub minjeiwa | Chebutyet | Hairy caterpillar |
Kigulng’yon boiyot en terik kot koit oli | Chebutyet | Hairy caterpillar |
Oini akwoini | Chepkiswet | swift |
Ologun yon olok yu asiketuiyechin yun kemelgen eun | Kumik | Honey |
Kitet-oi | Kelek | Teeth |
Us ous keiyo | Tamnet | Goatee |
Oini negolon amagole | Chepkomon | Thorn |
Telel koech | Toloita | Pillar |
Sirasir tembwo | Kiplekwa | Hare/rabbit |
Telelen kiptildilyet ketitab iit asigogur chemunai en oik | Simoit | Telephone |
Kyait goi ko keringoon ait goi ko keringoon | Kiskisik | Bowls |
KONGOI biikyok eng boisiekwong ne tilil ako kararan.
Ingondoiwok asis AK kotuchok.