Enkai

Enkai, also spelled Engai or Enkai, is the supreme deity of the Maasai and Samburu peoples of East Africa, primarily in Kenya and northern Tanzania. In their cosmology, Enkai is a sky god who governs creation, rain, and fertility, and thus the well-being of both cattle and people.

Traditionally Enkai has two principal manifestations: Engai Narok (the Black God) and Engai Nanyokie (the White God). The Black God is generally described as benevolent, bringing rain and blessings to the land. The White God is viewed as more distant and stern, associated with drought or famine and offering a harsher form of justice. Some sources summarize this duality as two aspects of a single deity rather than two separate gods.

Worship and ritual practices are conducted through prayers, offerings, and rituals led by elders and ritual specialists. Offerings often involve cattle and milk, reflecting the central role of cattle in Maasai life. Oracles and interpretations of natural signs are sometimes believed to convey Enkai’s guidance or warnings.

In cultural context, Enkai is a central element of Maasai identity and worldview, shaping rituals, seasonal calendars, and social norms. Scholarly discussions often characterize Enkai as a high god with dual aspects within a broader religious system that also includes reverence for ancestors and initiation rites. The concept remains a foundational reference in traditional ceremonies and in interpretations of climate, land, and community welfare.