Clans (ibukui or ebuku) form the cornerstone of Kumam social, political, and economic life, tracing patrilineal descent and regulating inheritance, marriage, and dispute resolution. Land is owned communally by clans, ensuring equitable access for members, though women and children traditionally did not hold individual titles. Clans prohibit intra-clan marriages to maintain exogamy and social alliances. They also preserve totems, rituals, and histories through elders.
Politically, the Kumam operate under a decentralized, clan-based structure rather than a centralized kingdom. Clan leaders, known as Wegi Ibukui (or Wegi Atekerin), head the clans and serve as arbitrators for law, order, politics, and social affairs. They collaborate with other key figures:
This loose federation of clan leaders historically maintained harmony without a supreme ruler, though influences from neighboring Langi and Iteso introduced some hierarchical elements.
Kumam 
The Kumam had a loose political structure under clan leaders known as wegi Atekerin. The other leaders of importance in the society were wegi ikodeta Cel(leaders of dancing groups) and leaders of Asonya homes, wegi Cel. The wegi Cel were in most cases Dogolan or Odonge ikekoros (heads of part of a clan descending from one man). Then under the Odonge ikekoros were the family heads. These clan leaders were responsible for the maintenance of law and order as well as general administration. They arbitrated in matters of politics and social affairs in the traditional justice courts. Resource ownership and their distribution was communally done or under clan leadership. Consequently decisions on land, cattle and marriage were made by the clan. If a clan member
kills a person of another clan, blood compensation would be made to the victim’s clan; which was usually seven cows.
Kumam
Once the elder who had been head of the clan becomes too old to lead or has become sickly or about to die, the elders begin to plan for a replacement. The process starts with elders whispering among themselves the names of possible candidates within the clan. The candidate could be the son to former leader or a brother to former leader. The qualities they look out for are: physical strength/energy, demonstration of good character, wisdom, and good leadership skills can help the clan. A day is selected to officially announce the person the elders have chosen. The members of the clan gather in the meeting place called “Auret” or under a big tree in an open place called “Ebar” then the elders would announce the new clan leader. Once the announcement is made, people would quickly
arrange a seat from the logs and sticks around for him to sit on. Strong men along with elders would then carry him and toss him up saying “Ejakait wu dono, pore wore”.
The new leader then choses a day to address his people. In his home on that day, he must organize a feast and cook food for the whole clan. His family members and neighbors help in the cooking. People gather at “Auret”, and he sits on his seat of power, “Abanya”, a three-legged stool and talk to the people who would sit in front of him. After people have settled down, he stands up and addresses them on how he wants his leadership to be, and things he does not want people to do like killing fellow clan members, theft or wrong attacks.
He then selects a team of strong men whom he will work with, called “Igangeta atie Ibekan” and present them to the people after which he gives people food and celebrations with music and dance follows. All wealth or property got during raids after an attack are divided among the people, however, the clan leader takes a great percentage of it. The clan leader also is given what is called “me piny” which is a portion of meat from cattle killed during a raid.
