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The Lmartin of Samburu are a group of people bounded by lifestyle, religion, cultural expression, interest, traditions, common resource use as well as geographical settlements. They inhabit Ntim Forest and practices across Samburu and Laikipia with an estimate of 40,000 people (2019). Of these, 5,000 resides in Amaya location (Samburu North) and 2,000 are based in Longewani location and 2,000 are based in Suguta Marmar Location.
The term Lmartin is derived from the area they inhabit (Marti) a high altitude area that stretches to Samburu and Laikipia Counties. It also represents various small groups of communities (clans) whose roots can be traced back to the Ilaikipia Maasai. History has it that during the great Maasai Wars the Laikipia Maasai who were badly defeated and decimated that the remnants scattered far and wide, as they scampered for safety. Many were rescued and accepted by the communities they ended up in; others were assimilated by the communities they ended up in. The Lmartin branded them Llaenbo (Dianbo) loosely used to mean a poor person without livestock.
The small clans mentioned above are:
The Lmartin originate from Ilaikipia Maasai after the great Maasai wars. They were neither Samburu nor Maasai due to their distinctive way of life. Unlike the two mentioned who were pastoralists, the Lmartin had adopted a lifestyle shaped by their dependence on the forest ecosystem as their dwelling place, source of livelihood and cultural practices.
Departing from the arid plains of Laikipia, they moved along Kiriro Njiru River towards Samburu, crossing borders and diverse landscapes northwards. They encountered diverse environments, adapting to the unique aspects of their new forest environment. Today, they still live in the forest ecosystem and have maintained their traditional way of life.
Those groups of Lmartin made of 4 sub-clans: Lmartin, Supukia, Ilbambo and Lorikuki. Upon reaching Amaya, they established settlements, adapting to local conditions. Supukia moved southward and settled around Alasaara range, Marmanet and Masito forest in Laikipia. The bulk settled in Longewani.
Traditionally, their economic way of life was hunting and gathering as well as beekeeping. However, they currently are peasant farmers who cultivate land, keep livestock, and practice iron beekeeping.
The Lmartin community possesses deep traditional knowledge about forest ecosystems, sustainable resource management, and indigenous practices that have been passed down through generations.
The Lmartin people have traditionally relied on hunting, gathering, beekeeping, and forest-based livelihoods. Today, they combine these traditional practices with modern agriculture and livestock keeping.
