functions of the council of elders among the Highland Nilotes during the pre-colonial period.
- They maintained law and order.
- They settled major disputes in the community.
- They made important observations and decisions on communal matters. For instance, they advised warriors on how or when to launch raids or attacks on their neighbouring or other communities.
- They defined grazing and habitable land for various clans and groups to avoid internal rivalry or hostility.
- They organized and presided over cultural practices, such as initiation.
- They served as the final court of appeal in the community.
functions of the Orkoiyot among the Nandi during the pre-colonial period.
- He was both the political and religious leader of the community.
- He presided over religious functions, such as sacrifices.
- He advised elders on community affairs.
- He advised and blessed warriors before they went to war.
- He arbitrated (settled) disputes.
- He was a Seer, rain maker and chief medicine man in the community