1813. Amaitha ma mũndũ no andũ amake. One’s enemies are one’s own people.

From antiquity, this proverb warns people of the danger that lurks behind a sour relationship in a family or community. If misfortune happens, one is warned to search through divination first within the household before checking with a malevolent neighbour.

1814. Atũi nĩmo matonyanaa nthongo. Neighbours prick each other’s eyes.

This ancient maxim first means neighbours are bound to take care of each other. Yet conflict is inevitable in a neighbourhood and neighbours often cause injury and loss to each other. The proverb persuades conflicting parties to reconcile.

1815. Aũme monganasya na syĩngokoa. Men suckle with elbows.

This ancient proverb relates to conflict. While men–women relationships are soft and loving, men-to-men relationships are often rough and pitiless. Its purpose is simply descriptive of the character of men. It was used to serve diverse purposes.

1816. Aũme nĩ nyamũ mbai. Men are fierce animals.

Old women admonished teenage girls with this proverb, not to suggest that men were inhumane but to warn the girls that men’s penchant for sex could ruin their lives. Playing with men would mean irresponsible conception, and most men would not be committed to the relationship after pregnancy occurred.

1817. Aũme nĩ aũmani. Men are biters.

This ancient truism assumes strong-willed men inevitably clash. It cautions that parents should separate their male children when they grow up by allocating land for them to settle a bit away from each other.

1818. Aũme makĩtaa kũsama ti kũtha. Men only discuss matters; they do not gamble.

Two words here (kũsama and kũtha) challenge comprehension if not spelt and translated properly. The word kũsama can mean ‘to taste or discuss in consultation; to hold counsel’; the word kũtha may mean to gamble, but spelt with a double /a/ (kũthaa) means to compete for food on a plate. The axiom means men are better off consulting each other rather than gambling, which invites conflict. This becomes a warning not to lie to fellow men on serious matters involving resources or family affairs. In the second interpretation, with kũsama translated as ‘to taste’, it becomes a vehicle used seriously by older women to young girls as a caution against premarital pregnancy. It means in sex men have no long-term commitment but flatter women and move on.