Namunyu Khabolela libhale wakhasila waulile

Hyena told the stone, even if you are quiet, you have heard.

What it means

Silence does not mean not knowing. Even a silent stone has heard what happened, and so has the person who keeps quiet about it.

Luhya · East Africa

Source and context

From: Luhya, East Africa

Source: Luhya (Kenya) oral-tradition proverb (Namunyu Khabolela libhale wakhasila waulile); documented in Tim Wambunya, "Luyia Proverbs (from Kisa, Marama, Tsotso and Wanga)" (2005) — hyena/stone entry

The meaning given here is our own reading. Other interpretations exist.

Truth

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