Digo of Tanzania and Kenya
Population: 500,000
Location: SE Kenya and NE Tanzania
History: The Digo moved to their current location 1000 years ago. Historians disagree as to whether they migrated from Somalia or from Southern Africa. Originally they settled deep within sacred forests in order to worship ancestral spirits and to be safe from warring tribes. Islamic traders visited the coast of Africa as early as the 10th century and had contact with the Digo. The Portuguese explorers came in the 16th century. Many Digo converted to Islam in the 1920s.
Culture: The Digo are Bantu people. They are fishermen, farmers, basket weavers and potters.
Religion: Folk Islam and animism
A few curious
Digo of Kenya and Tanzania:
- Pray for efforts to reach Digo through education, sports, skills training, and mentorship. Pray that God will connect the teams with the right people who are searching for purpose and direction.
- Pray for the few individuals who are curious about Christ or are following Him secretly. Pray for protection from backlash, fear, and isolation. Pray for safe relationships and fellowship to form naturally.
Resistant and in bondage
The Digo in Tanzania are resistant to gospel-centered outreach initiatives. Pray and ask the Lord to soften the hearts of elders, religious leaders, and local authorities toward Christian workers, removing suspicion, fear, and misunderstanding.
Pray against spiritual bondage rooted in superstition among the Digo. Pray that God would accompany His Word with signs and wonders to counter the dark spiritual influences.
