POWER SHIFT IN BUKUSU LEADERSHIP Before analyzing the rise of Sudi, it is important to mention his arch-rival and supposedly-community leader Wandabwa, son of Namunyulubunda. But to understand Wandabwa well, we have to time-travel back as far as 900 A.D (The Year of Our Lord). As far as memories can grasp, Walumoli the son of Sioka (Omubuya) was the pioneer community leader. Walumoli together with his son Wabutubile takes the community from the plains of Silikwa to Ekukumayi through Sengeli, Namanajalala, and Namarare.  His leadership is succeeded by Sioka a prominent Omulako. Later leadership drops among the Bakhurawra taken by Matukutuku who was a great ancestor of Mango, circumcision reformist. When Matukutuku dies at Esilangilile, power returns to the house of Omubuya as Sanjamolu leads the community up until Bukaya. Batukwiika Bakitang’a then succeeds the community leadership as Maina (II) son of Nalukale, the famed leader arises to power. After decades in rein, he pass...

  Exciting tale of a man that could blind the eyes of enemy raiders, entertain two audiences at the same time, heal the sick through drum beats, tap termites from bare rock and sit on sharp end of his spear .. A story is told of an Omutukwiika Omukwanga child born in 1810 and circumcised in 1832 under the Bakananachi age-set. Wachiye’s father was called Lwasaka and Naumbwa was the name of his mother. Wachiye grows up displaying a unique art and powers of prophecy and mind-blowing tricks that earned him great fame. In a brief reflection of his background, Batukwiika Bakwaangwa were fourth generation (siimila)) descendants of Mbiriira a key Bukusu leader in the 1700s. The other clusters are Batukwiika Basakha and Batukwiika Bakitang’a). Like Bayemba, Bayitu and Bachemayi, Batukwiika are empowered to give public lectures (Khuswala Kumuse). And just like Bakolati, Baala, Bamutilu and Baengele, the Batukwiika traditionally formed the ruling class wearing Ekutusi (Elder’s Robe). The Late...

  Termites for Food? A Bukusu Perspective Long ago. In the countless suns and moons that have passed. When the lands were raw and uncolonized. The lands after period of ogres, when nature-green plains stretched to meet the Lake of  Walule  in the West and the overgrown mountainous Masaaba knuckles touched the blue skies to the North. Bukusuland laid unmutilated full of life.  Simbikhilia ,  Chisoko  and  Kamaninga  sang gracefully and  Namukhokhome , the green-headed rock reptile turned lazily under the rays of the setting sun.  In the quietly flowing waters of unnamed rivers,  Wanakhutu  and  Mukoye-baka  floated with gleam and unrestricted freedom. On the lands, mounting plants, Bees and Butterflies kissed the flowers, energizing the lands. From the red anthills of the Bukusu Savannah, came the flying ancestors. The White and Brown-winged termites, escaping the hot embers of the underworld. Meeting the fresh air of ...

  Oath of Namurwa, Khulicha and other Mysteries in Bukusu Clans When a Mubukusu tribesman or woman speaks; they begin by mentioning two things: Khukhwitacha (declaring one’s personal ancestry and clan peculiarities) and Khukhwilaa (declaring the clan origin and ancestry). It is through khukhwilaa that we can find the person’s Ebulobi (cluster) and silibwa (the gate). For instance, Ese Wefwafwa  wa Nangami, omusituyi omusilikwa njoboyi Namurwa, simatwa, kikayi, banianiambi basilamatakho, khwama Embayi khwecha ne chikhendu Sikala [I am Wefwafwa, grandson to Nangami. I am Omusituyi (clan). I am Omusilikwa of Bakikayi Cluster. We walk cheerfully. We came from Embayi carrying raffia palms – showing immense cattle wealth] Important to note self- introduction was used for several reasons; avoiding relatives falling in love, detecting an unfriendly alien (who was unable to introduce) and thirdly to introduce people at public gatherings such as funerals or dance sessions Back to our po...