The Samburu tribe have had cultural conflicts with the Somali, and so regard Islam with great suspicion. Virtually no Samburu have become
Muslims. Traditionally they believe in a distant creator, one supreme god, whom they call Nkai or Ngai, as do other Maa-speaking peoples. Nkai is thought to dwell in beautiful mountains, large trees, caverns, and water springs. The greatest hope of an old man approaching death is to be buried facing a majestic mountain, the seat of Nkai.