This is why Kalenjin Love Mursik

Well, we have probably heard about the famous Mursik Milk from the land of the champions.

Whenever the term is mentioned, your mind jumps to Nandi, or Eldoret, or maybe Nakuru Town. Wherever it heads, it’s normally wrapped up around the Kalenjin Community.

Who are the Kalenjin?

The Kalenjin are a Nilotic ethnic group inhabiting the Rift Valley Province in Kenya. They are believed to come from Tot or Burgei (a warm place) from the North which is probably Egypt (Kemet).

This can be seen by how they always mention the term ‘Burgei Kole Burgei’ showing their originality.

There are several smaller tribal groupings within the Kalenjin. The latter include the Elgeyo, Endorois, Kipsigis, Marakwet, Nandi, Pokot, Sabaot, Terik, Tugen and Sebei.

The staple Kalenjin food is ugali and then there is the popular yummy beverage Mursik that must be at the table to make it whole.

So, what is Mursik?

This is a traditional drink comprising fermented yogurt combined with ash from cromwo (Ozoroa insignis) – a native tree popularly known for its antiseptic properties and the faint scent of peanut butter.

Some people also say that it is a special fermented milk drink that is mixed with some concoction which comes in the form of charcoal.

There’s a common belief that Mursik strengthens bones and is the secret behind the endurance and speed of runners from the Rift Valley region.

The continuous praises given to this traditional drink which is an integral part of Kalenjin culture and heritage has made it not just a Kalenjin commodity anymore. It has sure crossed borders and stole the heart of many across the country.

 Believed to be more than 300-years old, it started as a way of preserving milk during a glut in production.

The drink is preserved in gourds lined with specially ground fine charcoal from select trees that gives it a unique smoky flavor.

The yogurt can be made from cow or goat’s milk (one or the other, never mixed) and is a grayish hue with a velvety texture that seems enticing.

It is smooth, sharp, and surprisingly not bitter. It’s the type of drink fans of plain yogurt and kefir would enjoy.

Benefits of Taking Mursik

1. Mursik cleans the blood. The charcoal in the drink is used to clean blood thus allowing the body to produce more white blood cells that in return fight diseases.
2. The vital D found from natural sources like Mursik helps in reducing the sensation of fatigue as it keeps your energy at an optimal level.
3. Helps in maintaining the health of the bones, teeth, muscles, skin and improves eyesore
4. Helps in controlling weight. It hydrates the body and provides important nutrients such as unsaturated fats, minerals, and beneficial bacteria as well as boosting metabolism.
5. The charcoal added has been believed to serve as a medicine for stomach upset