The Meru language, or Kimeru, is spoken by the Meru people or the Ameru who live on the slopes of Mount Kenya, Kenya, Africa and on the Nyambene ranges. They settled in this area after centuries of migration from the north.
Tradition
Meru people are said to have originated on an island called Mboa where they were held captive by the red people or nguuntune (red-clothed). Their masters were cruel to them and a plan of escape was made. This exodus was accomplished by parting the Red Sea using a rod given to the leader by God. They crossed the sea in groups which later gave rise to different clans that are present today among the Ameru people.
Meru language
The meru people are a heterogeneous community but all share a common ancestry. They speak the same language, Kimeru, but there are some slight regional differences, in accent and local words. The community comprises the following sub-divisions; from the north to south:
- Igembe
- Tigania (Tiania)- (whose language and culture are closely related to the cushitic and nilotic neighbouring communities)
- Imenti
- Tharaka
- Igoji
- Mwimbi
- Muthambi
- Chuka
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