Wardey | |
|---|---|
| Total population | |
| - | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Languages | |
| Somali | |
| Religion | |
| Islam | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| [Jiido] Surre and other Ali Madaxwayne groups. |
Wardey is a Somali clan who currently associated with the Dir clan family specifically the Madahweyne sub-clan found in southern Somalia (Lower Jubba) and eastern Kenya,[1] mostly along the Tana River. The Wardey are a pastoralist community. Mostly they live in Tana River County alongside Orma communities. They speak the Somali language and practice Islam.
The Wardey live in the respective cities of Qooqani, Garsen, Afmadow, Kismayo, Dhobley and Bangal.[2] The Wardey once ruled the great Sultanate of Wamo.[3] According to tradition, the Warday alongside the Somali Garre and Harla people were previous inhabitants that occupied the region prior to the Oromo and Darod invasions, the aforementioned groups are credited for prehistoric well building.[4][5]