Monkey business: Luhya's secret primate delicacy now faces Mpox dilemma

A Colobus monkey enjoying the indigenous forest at the Brackenhurst. [George Njunge, Standard]

For many, monkeys are seen as mischievous, destructive creatures, notorious for wreaking havoc on crops and often becoming targets of hunting. Yet, among the Isukha, Idakho, and Tiriki sub-tribes of the Luhya community in Kakamega and Vihiga Counties, the story takes an unexpected turn-monkeys are prized not for their antics, but as a hidden delicacy.

The Isukha and Idakho tribes, living in Shinyalu, Ikolomani, and Malava constituencies in Kakamega County, and the Tiriki tribe in Vihiga County, savour the taste of monkey meat, an age-old cultural tradition. However, the rise of Monkeypox (Mpox) has cast a shadow over this practice. Now, the once-secret indulgence is at a crossroads, as communities weigh the risks and consider whether to pause eating bushmeat until the health threat subsides.